Hearty and comforting, this Dutch Leek Casserole is a savory delight perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Featuring layers of tender potatoes, earthy leeks, and seasoned ground beef, this dish is brought together with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce infused with a hint of nutmeg for added warmth. Finished with a golden, crunchy topping of breadcrumbs and melted cheese, this casserole combines classic Dutch flavors with a satisfying texture in every bite. With a quick prep time of just 20 minutes, it's an easy yet impressive meal that serves four and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or crusty bread. Ideal for those seeking a one-dish recipe that's filling, flavorful, and fuss-free!
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Peel the potatoes, cut them into thin slices, and cook in a pot of boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
Slice the leeks into thin rings, rinse them thoroughly to remove grit, and pat dry.
In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until a smooth sauce forms. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Stir the cheddar cheese (reserving a handful for the topping), nutmeg, salt, and pepper into the sauce, then remove from heat.
In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the potato slices on the bottom. Top with half of the cooked ground beef and half of the leeks. Repeat the layers.
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with the reserved cheese and breadcrumbs.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Calories |
3205 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.4 g | 213% | |
| Saturated Fat | 72.3 g | 362% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 511 mg | 170% | |
| Sodium | 4390 mg | 191% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 292.8 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.4 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.2 g | ||
| Protein | 147.9 g | 296% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.5 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 1284 mg | 99% | |
| Iron | 29.5 mg | 164% | |
| Potassium | 7206 mg | 153% | |
*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.