Description
Hearty Midwest meat & potato casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending rich flavors and rustic charm. Savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Primary Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russets work best)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef or chicken broth
Creamy Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
Instructions
- Orchestrate the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with protective grease, ensuring seamless food release.
- Transform ground beef in a sizzling skillet over medium thermal intensity, rendering the protein to a rich caramel hue. Introduce diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant. Season the mixture with salt, cracked pepper, and vibrant paprika, then temporarily reserve.
- Craft precision potato layers by mandoline or expert knife work, creating gossamer-thin slices that promise uniform cooking and elegant texture.
- Construct a luxurious sauce foundation by melting butter and whisking in flour, creating a silky roux. Gradually incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens dramatically. Remove from heat and fold in sharp cheddar until perfectly integrated, with optional mustard powder for deeper complexity.
- Architect the casserole’s architecture by strategically layering half the potato slices, followed by an even distribution of seasoned meat. Repeat the architectural sequence, then splash beef or chicken broth across the landscape for moisture retention. Crown the creation with a cascading cheese sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Envelop the dish in aluminum armor, baking for 45 minutes. Unveil the protective shield, sprinkle additional cheddar, and return to the oven’s embrace for 15-20 minutes until potatoes surrender their firmness and the surface achieves a golden, appetizing patina.
- Allow the casserole a brief moment of repose, permitting internal temperatures to stabilize. Serve alongside crisp salad or steamed vegetables, transforming a rustic dish into a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
- Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Experiment with sweet potatoes or turnips as low-carb alternatives to traditional white potatoes.
- Use vegetable broth and plant-based ground meat for a delicious vegetarian adaptation of the recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 to 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg