Cheesy Potato and Ground Beef Casserole

Introduction

If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, and hearty comfort meal, this Cheesy Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect dish! This layered casserole combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, rich cheese, and a velvety cream sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Every bite is packed with savory flavors and gooey, melted cheese, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite baked dishes. Let’s dive into this cheesy, indulgent delight! 🧀🥔🍖

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Layer:

• 500g ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup peas (optional)

For the Potato Layer:

• 4-5 medium potatoes, boiled and sliced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried basil (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

For Topping:

• 6-8 slices cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (for extra topping)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
4. Stir in the bell peppers, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and cumin.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix well. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
2. Stir in the flour and whisk until combined, cooking for 1 minute.
3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Add garlic powder, black pepper, and dried basil, and stir until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and mix in grated cheese, stirring until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a greased baking dish, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly.
3. Layer the boiled potato slices on top, seasoning them with salt and black pepper.
4. Place cheese slices over the potatoes and pour the cheese sauce evenly on top.
5. Sprinkle grated cheese over everything for an extra cheesy crust.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
2. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Serve hot with a side of fresh salad or garlic bread.
• Enjoy every cheesy, creamy, and flavorful bite!

Conclusion

This Cheesy Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. The layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and rich cheese sauce create a delicious and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a special gathering, this recipe will always impress. Try it today and indulge in a creamy, cheesy delight! 🧀🥔💛

Let me know if you need any modifications! 😊