Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole 🧀🥔
Introduction
This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food for family dinners. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese come together to create a hearty and satisfying dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the beef mixture and cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese.
- Pour milk evenly over the top and dot with butter.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Methods
The key to this recipe is layering—allowing the potatoes to cook evenly while soaking up the beef juices and melted cheese. The milk and butter combination creates a creamy texture, while baking uncovered at the end gives it a crispy cheesy topping.
History
The origins of casseroles date back to the 18th century in Europe, where layers of meat, vegetables, and starches were baked together in a single dish. Over time, this method spread to America, becoming a classic comfort meal in the 1950s home kitchens.
Benefits
- Rich in protein and calcium from the beef and cheese.
- Provides energy from the potatoes and healthy fats from the butter.
- Easy one-dish meal that saves time and reduces cleanup.
Formation
The casserole forms beautifully as it bakes—each layer fuses together, creating a balance of creamy, cheesy, and meaty goodness. The top layer of cheese turns golden brown, giving a perfect texture contrast.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is a heartwarming dish perfect for any dinner occasion. It’s rich, filling, and made with simple ingredients that deliver maximum comfort and flavor.
Lovers
Loved by families and cheese lovers alike, this casserole has become a favorite for gatherings and cozy nights in. It’s a dish that warms both the heart and the table.