Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Bake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Casserole
01 -
1 lb ground beef
02 -
4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
1 medium onion, chopped
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
½ cup beef broth
07 -
¼ cup milk (optional)
→ For the Seasoning & Cheese
08 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
09 -
½ tsp paprika
10 -
Salt & pepper, to taste
11 -
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 -
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 -
Fresh parsley, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, wash and thinly slice the potatoes to about ¼-inch thickness. Consistent thickness is key for even cooking, so try to keep the slices uniform if possible.
02 -
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
03 -
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. This will make serving and cleanup much easier.
04 -
Create the first layer by arranging half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Next, spread half of the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer. Repeat these layers once more, using the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese.
05 -
Pour the beef broth evenly over the top of the casserole. If you want a creamier texture, also add the optional ¼ cup of milk. The liquid will help cook the potatoes and create a savory sauce as the casserole bakes.
06 -
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and helps cook the potatoes until tender. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are nearly fork-tender.
07 -
Remove the foil and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork.
08 -
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra creaminess, you can add more cheese or a splash of heavy cream when adding the beef broth.
02 -
Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and uniformly so they cook evenly and thoroughly.
03 -
To add some heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture while cooking.
04 -
This casserole reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.