Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole 

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Ingredients

For the Casserole Base

  • 700g ground beef
  • 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 2 cups heavy cream or milk
  • 1 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon mustard (optional but delicious)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup cheddar for extra flavor
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into medium-sized cubes. You want them not too big, but not too small—the size in the image suggests about 2 cm cubes. Rinse them briefly to remove excess starch; this helps them cook more evenly.

Set aside while preparing the beef.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.

Season with:

  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Thyme or oregano
  • Optional chili flakes

You want the beef mixture to be flavorful because the potatoes will absorb some of the seasoning as the casserole bakes.

Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

This sauce is what makes the casserole rich and silky, similar to the creamy texture seen in your image.

In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the broth while whisking continuously to avoid clumps.

Once the broth is incorporated, add the cream or milk. Stir until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

Season with salt, pepper, and optional mustard. The mustard enhances the flavor without making the sauce taste like mustard—it simply adds depth.

When the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, remove it from heat.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

In a baking dish (like the one in your image), layer the ingredients:

  1. First layer: half of the potato cubes
  2. Second layer: half of the cooked beef
  3. Third layer: a light sprinkle of cheese
  4. Fourth layer: the rest of the potatoes
  5. Fifth layer: the remaining beef

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the entire dish, making sure it fills the gaps and coats the potatoes.

Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt and form the golden, bubbly crust you see in the photo.

5. Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, or until:

  • The potatoes are fork-tender
  • The top is golden and bubbly
  • The edges are slightly crispy

This step gives the casserole the beautiful browned look seen in your picture.

Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to settle.

Tips for a Perfect Casserole (Like the Image)

1. Use mozzarella for that stretchy top

Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the exact glossy golden finish shown in the photo.

2. Don’t skip the cream

It ensures the potatoes stay juicy and helps the casserole hold together.

3. Cube the potatoes evenly

This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming mushy.

4. Season every layer

A casserole can taste bland if only the beef is seasoned. Salt the potatoes lightly as well.

5. Let it rest before serving

This is the key to a clean cut and perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole can be served with:

  • A fresh green salad
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Garlic bread
  • Pickles or olives
  • A yogurt or sour cream side dip

It is filling enough to be the main dish on its own.

Storage and Meal Prep

This recipe stores very well.

Refrigerator:

Up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer:

Up to 2 months. Freeze in portions for easy reheating.

Reheat:

Use oven or microwave. If reheating in oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from burning.

Variations You Can Try

1. Chicken Version

Swap beef for shredded or diced chicken.

2. Spicy Version

Add chili powder or jalapeños.

3. Vegetable Version

Add carrots, peas, spinach, or mushrooms.

4. Extra-Cheese Version

Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan.

5. Mediterranean Twist

Add oregano, olives, and feta cheese.

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