Spicy Au Gratin Beef Bake

Elevate your dinner game with the ultimate comfort food: Spicy Au Gratin Beef Bake! This hearty casserole layers tender, thinly sliced russet potatoes with savory seasoned ground beef and a creamy, jalapeño-infused cheese sauce for the perfect balance of spice and decadence. Topped with a golden-brown blanket of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this crowd-pleaser is baked to bubbly perfection. Bold flavors from cayenne, paprika, and garlic complement the rich, cheesy base while green onion garnish adds a fresh, vibrant touch. Perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Ready in just 1.5 hours, it’s a deliciously satisfying meal that combines layers of flavor with a hint of heat!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 4 medium Russet potatoes
• 1 medium Yellow onion
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 Jalapeño pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 Green onions
• 1 as needed Cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into 1/8-inch rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline. Set aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.

Step 3

Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic cloves, and chop the jalapeño pepper. Thinly slice the green onions for garnish and set them aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, the Parmesan cheese, jalapeño, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 8

Layer half of the potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes, followed by half of the cheese sauce.

Step 9

Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, and cheese sauce.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.

Step 12

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 13

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your Spicy Au Gratin Beef Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2187.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3673.4

Total Fat 227.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 123.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 794.8mg	0%
Sodium 5274.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 219.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.8g	0%
Total Sugars 38.5g
Protein 206.1g	0%

Vitamin D 221.4IU	0%
Calcium 3327.6mg	0%
Iron 17.6mg	0%
Potassium 6112.5mg	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: 54.6%

Protein: 22.0%

Carbs: 23.4%