Best Beef & Potato Layered Casserole – Easy, Hearty & Delicious

There’s something incredibly comforting about a layered casserole, and this Beef Potato Layered Casserole is a true star. Imagine tender, thinly sliced potatoes nestled with savory seasoned ground beef, fragrant onions and garlic, all enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with a generous blanket of melted cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening or a comforting Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

For the Potato Layers:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Make the Beef Filling:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

Create the Creamy Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Layering Guidance:

1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Arrange half of the seasoned potato slices in an even layer on the bottom of the dish.
3. Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.
4. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef mixture.
5. Layer the remaining potato slices over the beef and sauce.
6. Pour the remaining creamy sauce over the top layer of potatoes, ensuring they are well covered.

Baking Instructions

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
4. Continue baking uncovered for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
5. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Serving Suggestions:

This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives can also add a lovely touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave. You can also gently reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat.

Helpful Recipe Tip

For the best results, ensure your potato slices are as uniform as possible. This will help them cook evenly. If you prefer a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.

Enjoy this comforting and delicious Beef Potato Layered Casserole!

Best Beef & Potato Layered Casserole – Easy, Hearty & Delicious

Easy Layered Beef & Potato Casserole – Comfort Food the Whole Family Will Love

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 1 minute min

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Potato Layers:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
• 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups milk whole or 2%
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack

Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack
• Optional: Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Method

 

Prepare the Potatoes:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Make the Beef Filling:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

Create the Creamy Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

For the best results, ensure your potato slices are as uniform as possible. This will help them cook evenly. If you prefer a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.