Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Bake

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bake is:

  • Creamy inside
  • Cheesy on top
  • Meaty and flavorful
  • Super filling
  • Budget friendly
  • Easy to make ahead
  • Kid approved

It’s one of those meals that makes everyone go back for seconds automatically 😄

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Potato Layer

  • 1 kg potatoes (about 5–6 medium)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup milk or cream
  • Salt & pepper

Beef Filling

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried herbs (thyme/oregano)
  • ½ cup broth or water

Cheese Topping

  • 1½–2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar (or mix)
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

## Step 1 – Cook the Potatoes

First we make the creamy base 🥔

  1. Peel and cube potatoes
  2. Boil in salted water
  3. Cook until fork soft (15–20 min)
  4. Drain well

Then mash with:

  • butter
  • milk/cream
  • salt & pepper

Mash until smooth and creamy.

Tip: Warm milk makes smoother mash.

Set aside.

## Step 2 – Prepare the Beef Filling

Now the flavor bomb part 🔥

Heat pan with olive oil.

  1. Cook onions until soft
  2. Add garlic (30 seconds)
  3. Add ground beef
  4. Cook until browned

Break it up well.

Then add:

  • tomato paste
  • spices
  • salt
  • broth/water

Simmer 5–7 minutes.

The mixture should be juicy, not dry.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

This layer is what gives the whole dish that rich savory flavor.

## Step 3 – Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

Grease baking dish.

Now layer:

1️⃣ Spread beef mixture evenly

2️⃣ Add mashed potatoes on top

3️⃣ Smooth with spoon

4️⃣ Sprinkle lots of cheese

Don’t be shy with cheese 😄

More cheese = better life.

## Step 4 – Bake

Bake for:

20–25 minutes

Until:

  • cheese melted
  • top golden brown
  • edges bubbling

Optional: Broil 2–3 minutes for extra crisp top.

That golden cheese crust is EVERYTHING.

## Step 5 – Rest & Serve

Let rest 10 minutes before cutting.

This helps:

  • layers set
  • easier slicing
  • creamier texture

Sprinkle parsley and serve warm.

## Texture & Taste (What to Expect)

First bite:

crispy cheesy top → fluffy creamy potatoes → juicy seasoned beef

It’s:

rich

savory

cheesy

comforting

super satisfying

Basically warm hug food 😄

## Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Don’t overcook beef

Dry beef = dry casserole

Season each layer

Potatoes + beef both need salt

Use fresh cheese

Pre-shredded melts less nicely

Let it rest

Prevents messy serving

Add cream cheese to mash

Extra creamy texture (optional secret trick)

## Delicious Variations

Veggie boost

Add:

  • peas
  • carrots
  • corn
  • mushrooms

Spicy version

Add:

  • chili flakes
  • hot sauce
  • jalapeños

Creamy layer

Add béchamel or white sauce

Chicken version

Swap beef for shredded chicken

Low-carb

Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes

So many options!

## Make Ahead & Storage

Super practical meal.

Fridge

Keeps 4 days

Freezer

Freeze portions up to 2 months

Reheat

Oven or microwave

Still tastes amazing next day.

## Serving Ideas

Serve with:

  • fresh salad
  • pickles
  • roasted veggies
  • garlic bread
  • yogurt sauce

Or honestly… eat straight from the dish 😂

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Watery beef mixture

❌ Lumpy mash

❌ Not enough seasoning

❌ Too little cheese (big mistake 😆)

Follow the steps and you’re golden.

## Final Thoughts

This cheesy beef & potato bake is one of those simple, comforting, no-stress recipes that always hits the spot.

Cheap ingredients. Easy steps. Huge flavor.

Once you try it, it’ll become a weekly dinner classic in your kitchen.

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