Cheesy Potato Beef Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Potato Beef Bake, a hearty casserole that combines tender russet potatoes, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. This layered dish is elevated with a touch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick and a golden, bubbly cheddar topping that’s hard to resist. Quick to prep and baked to perfection, this recipe is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor, and get ready to savor every bite of this family-friendly favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic cloves
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes. Set aside in cold water to prevent browning.

Step 3

Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease.

Step 7

Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 8

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 9

Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 10

Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Remove from heat.

Step 11

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.

Step 12

Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 13

Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potato layer.

Step 14

Drizzle half of the cheese sauce over the beef and potatoes.

Step 15

Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese sauce.

Step 16

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 17

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 18

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 19

Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 20

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2345.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3649.7

Total Fat 196.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 99.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g
Cholesterol 627.2mg	0%
Sodium 4387.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 313.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.3g	0%
Total Sugars 33.1g
Protein 180.1g	0%

Vitamin D 107.4IU	0%
Calcium 2202.6mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 8525.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.3%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 33.5%