Dodie's Classic Bake

Indulge in the comforting layers of Dodie’s Classic Bake, a hearty casserole that’s perfect for cozy family dinners. This irresistible recipe combines savory ground beef simmered in aromatic spices like oregano and thyme, paired with tender parboiled potatoes and a velvety Parmesan-infused béchamel sauce. Topped with golden breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, this dish bakes to perfection in under an hour. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, Dodie’s Classic Bake is a versatile crowd-pleaser, ideal for meal prep or sharing at potlucks. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness, and let this all-in-one bake become a staple in your dinner rotation! Perfect for searches like “easy layered casseroles” or “classic comfort food recipes.”

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground beef
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 400 grams crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 4 medium, peeled and sliced potatoes
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500 milliliters milk
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon, chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Step 5

Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6

While the meat sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for 5 minutes to parboil them. Drain and set aside.

Step 7

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 8

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 9

Season the béchamel sauce with ground nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 10

In a baking dish, layer half of the parboiled potato slices on the bottom.

Step 11

Spread half of the meat sauce over the potatoes, followed by half of the béchamel sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, meat sauce, and béchamel.

Step 12

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2564.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3275.6

Total Fat 183.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 543.4mg	0%
Sodium 4475.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 278.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.0g	0%
Total Sugars 56.2g
Protein 155.4g	0%

Vitamin D 226.9IU	0%
Calcium 1529.2mg	0%
Iron 25.5mg	0%
Potassium 7484.9mg	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: 48.7%

Protein: 18.4%

Carbs: 32.9%