Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Beef and Potato Bake, a savory casserole that layers tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a hearty dish for family gatherings, this recipe brings together classic ingredients like ground beef, cheddar cheese, and buttery potatoes for a meal thatβs both satisfying and easy to prepare. Seasoned with garlic, onions, and a hint of thyme and paprika, each bite is packed with a balance of bold and creamy flavors. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this irresistible dish is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Budget-friendly and easy to make ahead, it's a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, oven-baked dinners.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick) and set aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Mince the garlic and add it to the skillet, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Return the ground beef to the skillet and season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir well to combine, then remove the skillet from heat.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a paste.
Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Drain the potatoes and pat them dry. Arrange a layer of potato slices in the prepared baking dish, followed by a layer of the beef mixture and a drizzle of cheese sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of 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 for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy beef and potato bake!
Calories |
3379 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 204.0 g | 262% | |
| Saturated Fat | 99.8 g | 499% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 656 mg | 219% | |
| Sodium | 6354 mg | 276% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 233.0 g | 85% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.7 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.4 g | ||
| Protein | 170.6 g | 341% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.5 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 2071 mg | 159% | |
| Iron | 19.6 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 6668 mg | 142% | |
*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.