This Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is an impressive and delicious dish that combines the heartiness of potatoes with the rich flavors of ground beef. It’s a perfect meal for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With layers of seasoned ground beef and sliced potatoes, all baked together to perfection, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite. Plus, it’s relatively easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 kg of potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 500 grams of ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (400 grams)
- 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and Slice Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and slicing them thinly. This will help them cook evenly and quickly in the oven.
- Pre-cook the Potatoes: To ensure the potatoes are tender, you can pre-cook them slightly. Place the sliced potatoes in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s browned. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Season the Beef: Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Add the chopped parsley and mix well.
- Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Potatoes: In a large baking dish, create an even layer of the pre-cooked potato slices at the bottom.
- Add Beef Mixture: Spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the layer of potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of potato slices, followed by the remaining ground beef mixture. Finish with a final layer of potato slices on top.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will help the potatoes cook through without the cheese burning.
- Remove Foil: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into portions.
- Serve: Serve the casserole warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Thin Slices: Ensure the potato slices are thin and uniform in size for even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful for this step.
- Pre-cook Potatoes: Pre-cooking the potatoes helps ensure they are fully cooked in the casserole. If you skip this step, make sure to bake the casserole longer until the potatoes are tender.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning. The combination of salt, pepper, and paprika adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Cheese: Feel free to use other types of cheese if you prefer. Cheddar or Gruyère can be great alternatives to mozzarella.
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add layers of sliced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Different Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the casserole.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or chili flakes to customize the flavor.
This Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and melted cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser. With its simple preparation and delicious results, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy this hearty dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
