Cheesy Potato Beef Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Potato Beef Bake, a hearty casserole that combines tender russet potatoes, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. This layered dish is elevated with a touch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick and a golden, bubbly cheddar topping that’s hard to resist. Quick to prep and baked to perfection, this recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor, and get ready to savor every bite of this family-friendly favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes. Set aside in cold water to prevent browning.
Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease.
Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Remove from heat.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potato layer.
Drizzle half of the cheese sauce over the beef and potatoes.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3650 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 196.7 g | 252% | |
| Saturated Fat | 99.8 g | 499% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 627 mg | 209% | |
| Sodium | 4387 mg | 191% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 313.5 g | 114% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.3 g | 87% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.1 g | ||
| Protein | 180.1 g | 360% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 2203 mg | 169% | |
| Iron | 23.0 mg | 128% | |
| Potassium | 8526 mg | 181% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
