Beef and Potato Casserole

Beef and Potato Casserole

Introduction

When you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures, nothing beats a good casserole. This Beef and Potato Casserole is a perfect combination of tender potato slices layered with seasoned ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy topping. It’s the kind of recipe that fills the house with an irresistible aroma and delivers a delicious, complete meal in one dish. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole is both wholesome and indulgent.

Ingredients

• For the beef filling:

  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

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  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

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  • 2 tbsp olive oil

• For the potatoes and sauce:

  • 6–7 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

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  • 2 cups milk

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

• For garnish:

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  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef filling:

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Add chopped onions and cook until softened.

   • Stir in garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned.

   • Add diced tomatoes, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.

   • Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Remove from heat.

2. Make the creamy sauce:

   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

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   • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

   • Gradually pour in milk while whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.

   • Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the casserole:

   • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

   • Grease a baking dish with butter or oil.

   • Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom.

   • Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes.

   • Repeat the layers, finishing with potatoes on top.

   • Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the layers and top with extra cheddar cheese.

4. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

   • Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are fully cooked.

5. Serve:

   • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

   • Garnish with fresh parsley.

Conclusion

This Beef and Potato Casserole is a wholesome, comforting dish that delivers layers of flavor in every bite. The tender potatoes absorb the richness of the beef and creamy sauce, while the melted cheese adds an irresistible finish. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for balance. Perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.