There’s something undeniably comforting about the classic combination of meat, potatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce baked to golden perfection. This dish brings together tender ground meat, fluffy potatoes, and a luscious cheese sauce for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the meat:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside. - Prepare the creamy sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and minced garlic. Heat over medium heat until just warm (do not boil). Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Layer the casserole:
- Spread half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the cooked ground meat evenly over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the creamy cheese sauce over the meat and potatoes.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, meat, and sauce.
- Top with cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. - Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. - Serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or a handful of frozen peas between the meat and potatoes.
Enjoy this comforting dish with a fresh side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal!
