Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole: A Comforting Classic

This hearty and delicious cheesy beef and potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese makes this dish a favorite among both kids and adults. Here’s a detailed guide to making this scrumptious casserole from scratch.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and cooked through. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Drain any excess fat and set the beef mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. It’s best to use a mandoline slicer for even and thin slices, but a sharp knife will work as well.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Remove from heat and stir in half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the beef and potatoes, spreading it evenly. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese sauce.
6. Top with Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Additional Tips:

• Variation Ideas:
  • You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
  • For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Make-Ahead Option:
  • This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to account for the cold temperature.
• Storage:
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.

This cheesy beef and potato casserole is sure to become a family favorite with its rich flavors and comforting textures. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a homemade meal that everyone will love!