Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole 

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Ingredients for the Casserole

Here are the essential ingredients needed to recreate the dish you see:

For the beef layer:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ½ cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

For the potato layer:

  • 5–6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the cheesy topping:

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional but adds great flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan (optional)

Optional additions:

  • A splash of cream or milk in the beef sauce
  • Bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas
  • Red pepper flakes for heat

Preparing the Beef Layer

To build a flavorful base for the casserole, the beef must be cooked and seasoned well. Start by heating oil or butter in a large skillet. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Let it brown fully, allowing some caramelization for deeper flavor. Season with paprika, black pepper, herbs, and salt. Once the meat is cooked, add tomato paste and tomato sauce to give it a rich, savory body.

Let this mixture simmer for 8–10 minutes. It should not be runny, but it should remain moist enough to coat the potatoes without drying out during baking. If it feels too thick, add 2–3 tablespoons of water or a splash of milk. This seasoned beef layer is what gives the casserole its hearty flavor profile.

Preparing the Potatoes

The potatoes in this casserole are sliced into thick, even rounds to ensure they cook evenly. Whether you choose to peel them is optional, but peeled potatoes give the dish a clean and smooth texture.

There are two ways to prepare the potatoes:

Method 1: Parboil (recommended)

Place the sliced potatoes into a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. This ensures the potatoes bake faster and absorb flavor better.

Method 2: Use raw potatoes

If you prefer a firmer texture, you can use raw slices. Just be aware that baking time may be slightly longer.

Season the slices with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before assembling the casserole. This step guarantees that every bite has flavor.

Assembling the Casserole

Once the beef and potatoes are ready, it’s time to layer everything:

  1. Spread a thin layer of beef mixture on the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents the potatoes from sticking.
  2. Arrange a layer of potato slices across the beef, slightly overlapping them for better coverage.
  3. Add a generous portion of the beef mixture on top of the potatoes.
  4. Repeat layers until your dish is full, finishing with a final layer of potatoes.
  5. Top with shredded cheese, creating a thick, even layer that will melt beautifully. Mozzarella gives the perfect stretchy texture, while cheddar adds rich flavor and gorgeous color.

The dish in your image shows golden, bubbly cheese — the hallmark of a perfectly baked casserole.

Baking the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and the beef flavors to meld together.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and bubbly. For an extra browned top, switch the oven to broil for the final 2–3 minutes.

When finished, the casserole should be bubbling around the edges, with a beautiful golden cheese crust that slightly crisps at the high points — just like the picture.

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set and makes serving much easier.

Pair this dish with:

  • A simple green salad
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Garlic bread
  • Pickles or olives for contrast

It also works beautifully as a standalone dish because it contains protein, carbohydrates, and dairy all in one.

Why This Casserole Works So Well

This beef and potato casserole offers a great balance of flavor and texture. The potatoes provide creaminess, the beef adds savory richness, and the melted cheese ties everything together with gooey indulgence. Because the ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find, it’s a favorite comfort meal for busy households.

Storage and Reheating Tips

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm portions in the oven or microwave. The dish also freezes well — perfect for batch cooking.

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