Description
Hearty meat & potato casserole brings comfort from midwestern kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Generous layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese create a satisfying one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russets work best)
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef or chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tbsps butter
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Heat oven to 375F (190C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Meat Transformation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, incorporating onions and garlic until fragrant. Infuse with salt, pepper, and paprika, then set aside momentarily.
- Potato Precision: Slice potatoes thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even cooking and elegant texture.
- Sauce Alchemy: Craft a velvety sauce by creating a roux with butter and flour, gradually whisking in heavy cream until thickened. Remove from heat and blend in cheddar cheese, adding a hint of mustard powder for depth.
- Layering Technique: Create a strategic foundation by alternating layers of potato slices and seasoned meat. Pour broth over the layers to maintain moisture, then blanket with the cheese sauce for complete coverage.
- Baking Ritual: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Unveil, sprinkle additional cheese, and return to oven for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and surface turns golden brown.
- Serving Finale: Rest the casserole briefly to settle internal temperatures. Present alongside a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create even, thin potato slices for consistent cooking and elegant texture.
- Control Meat Browning: Cook ground beef on medium heat, ensuring a rich caramel color without burning, which prevents bitter flavors.
- Manage Sauce Consistency: Whisk roux carefully, adding cream gradually to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
- Optimize Baking Technique: Cover with foil initially to prevent top burning, then uncover to create a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds delightful texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 to 9
- Calories: 246
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg