Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Bake

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–55 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

For the Beef Layer

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

For the Potatoes

• 4–5 medium Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thick cubes

• ½ tsp salt

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups milk (whole milk preferred)

• ½ cup heavy cream (optional but richer)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

For Topping

• 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar (or a blend)

• Optional: dried parsley or cracked pepper for garnish

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Potatoes

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add cubed potatoes and cook 8–10 minutes until just fork-tender (not mushy).

3. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the Beef Mixture

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add olive oil if needed, then sauté onions for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Add ground beef and cook until browned (5–7 minutes).

5. Drain excess fat if necessary.

6. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.

7. Cook another 1–2 minutes for flavor.

8. Remove from heat.

3️⃣ Make the Cream Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes (light golden).

3. Slowly whisk in milk and cream to avoid lumps.

4. Cook until thickened (3–5 minutes).

5. Add garlic powder, salt, pepper.

6. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

7. Remove from heat.

4️⃣ Assemble the Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lightly grease a baking dish.

3. Spread the cooked beef and onions evenly on the bottom.

4. Layer potatoes over the beef.

5. Pour creamy cheese sauce evenly over everything.

6. Top with remaining shredded cheese.

5️⃣ Bake

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• For extra browning, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.

Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

🔥 Optional Add-Ins

• Add sliced mushrooms to the beef

• Mix in ½ cup sour cream to the sauce for tang

• Sprinkle crispy bacon on top

• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for depth

🥄 Serving Tips

• Serve with a simple green salad.

• Great for meal prep — reheats beautifully.

• Tastes even better the next day!