Imagine a dish so irresistibly delicious that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary celebration. Our Cheesy Potato Beef Bake is not just a meal – it's a warm, cheesy hug on a plate that combines hearty ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese in a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for the recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings, this American-style casserole is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups potatoes, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash and thinly slice the potatoes into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds. If desired, you can leave the potato skins on for extra texture and nutrition.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks, ensuring no pink remains. Drain excess fat using a colander.
- Finely chop the onion and add it to the cooked ground beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly softened.
- Season the beef and onion mixture with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Layer the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base. Slightly overlap the potato slices to ensure complete coverage.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the potato layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the beef, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning and to help the potatoes cook evenly.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes cutting and serving easier.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
Tips
- Potato Perfection: Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Beef Browning Technique: Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, experiment with different varieties like cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend for varied flavor profiles.
- Even Layering: Slightly overlap potato slices and ensure the beef and cheese are distributed evenly for the best texture and taste.
- Foil Cover Magic: Covering the dish prevents cheese from burning and helps potatoes cook thoroughly.
- Resting Time Matters: Allow the dish to rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better cheese consistency.
- Optional Enhancements: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
