Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Bake

Préparation

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Having your potatoes thinly sliced (a mandoline works great for consistency) will help them cook evenly and quickly.

2. 2

   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

3. 3

   In a separate medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring, until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.

4. 4

   Spread half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper. Spoon the browned ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the beef. Layer the remaining potatoes over the cheese sauce, seasoning again with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top.

5. 5

   Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

6. 6

   Let the cheesy ground beef and potato bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness and color. Enjoy this comforting family-friendly meal!