Creamy Beef & Potato Layered Casserole 

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is:

  • Super creamy
  • Perfectly layered
  • Loaded with flavor
  • Golden and cheesy on top
  • Filling and comforting
  • Great for leftovers
  • Easy to prepare ahead

It tastes even better the next day because the flavors settle beautifully.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Potato Layer

  • 4–5 large potatoes
  • Salt

Beef Filling

  • 500 g ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato sauce or paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

Creamy White Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups milk (warm)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • Pinch nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ cup grated cheese (inside sauce)

Topping

  • 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

## Step 1 – Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Peel potatoes
  2. Slice thin (about 3–4 mm thick)
  3. Soak in cold water 10 minutes
  4. Drain and pat dry

Thin slices cook evenly and give that soft layered texture.

Optional: Lightly pre-boil slices for 5 minutes for softer texture.

## Step 2 – Cook the Beef Filling

Heat oil in pan.

  1. Cook onion until soft
  2. Add garlic
  3. Add ground beef
  4. Cook until browned

Then add:

  • tomato paste
  • salt
  • spices

Cook 5 minutes.

Mixture should be juicy but not watery.

Set aside.

## Step 3 – Make the Creamy Sauce

In saucepan:

  1. Melt butter
  2. Add flour
  3. Stir 1 minute

Slowly add warm milk while whisking.

Cook until thick and smooth.

Add:

  • salt
  • pepper
  • nutmeg
  • grated cheese

Stir until creamy.

Texture should coat the back of a spoon.

## Step 4 – Assemble the Layers

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

Grease baking dish.

Now layer:

1️⃣ Potato slices

2️⃣ Beef mixture

3️⃣ White sauce

Repeat layers.

Finish with:

  • sauce
  • lots of cheese on top

This layering creates that beautiful slice structure like in the photo.

## Step 5 – Bake

Cover with foil.

Bake:

35–40 minutes

Remove foil last 10–15 minutes for golden top.

Top should be:

  • bubbly
  • golden brown
  • slightly crispy

Your kitchen will smell AMAZING.

## Step 6 – Rest Before Cutting

Let rest 10–15 minutes.

Very important.

Helps layers set and slice cleanly.

Cut into squares and serve warm.

## Texture & Taste (What to Expect)

First bite:

Golden cheese crust → creamy sauce → tender potatoes → savory beef

It’s:

rich

smooth

soft

comforting

perfectly balanced

Not dry. Not heavy. Just creamy goodness.

## Pro Tips for Best Results

Slice potatoes evenly

Even cooking

Season every layer

Prevents bland taste

Don’t skip resting time

Cleaner slices

Use good melting cheese

Mozzarella works best

Add little cream to sauce

Extra richness (optional)

## Delicious Variations

Add vegetables

  • mushrooms
  • spinach
  • zucchini
  • carrots

Spicy version

  • chili flakes
  • hot sauce
  • pepper jack cheese

Chicken version

Replace beef with shredded chicken

Extra creamy

Add ricotta layer

Low-carb option

Use zucchini slices instead of potatoes

So many possibilities.

## Storage & Reheating

Fridge

Up to 4 days

Freezer

2 months

Reheat

Oven 10–15 minutes or microwave

Still delicious next day.

## Serving Ideas

Perfect with:

  • green salad
  • garlic bread
  • yogurt sauce
  • roasted vegetables
  • pickles

Or just eat it alone — it’s filling enough 😄

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Thick potato slices

❌ Watery beef mixture

❌ Thin white sauce

❌ Cutting too early

Follow the steps and you’ll get perfect layers every time.

## Final Thoughts

This creamy beef & potato casserole is one of those classic comfort dishes that never disappoints.

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