🥘 Cheesy Beef & Potato Bake Recipe
🌟 Introduction
Cheesy Beef & Potato Bake is a hearty comfort dish made with layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and golden melted cheese. It is similar to a casserole and is loved for its rich flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you crave a warm, satisfying meal.
🥔 Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar & mozzarella)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- ½ cup milk or cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions & Method
- Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and peel the potatoes.
- Slice them thinly (about ⅛ inch thick).
- Parboil them in salted water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- Cook the Beef
- In a skillet, heat olive oil.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Cook until browned.
- Layer the Dish
- In a greased baking dish, place a layer of potato slices.
- Add a layer of cooked beef mixture.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat the layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve
- Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with a side salad or bread.
📜 History
This dish has roots in European casseroles. Similar recipes exist in France (“Gratin”), England (“Hotpot”), and America (beef & potato casseroles from the 1950s). The concept of layering potatoes, meat, and cheese became popular during wartime when cooks needed filling, affordable meals for families.
💪 Benefits
- Energy rich: Potatoes and beef provide a strong source of carbs and protein.
- Protein-packed: Ground beef supports muscle growth.
- Calcium & vitamins: Cheese adds calcium, while potatoes add potassium and vitamin C.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- Comfort food: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying for cold days.
🛠 Formation (How it comes together)
This dish forms in layers:
- Base of potatoes for texture.
- Juicy beef mixture for protein.
- Cheese binding everything together.
Baking melts the layers into one rich, cheesy casserole.
❤️ Lovers
People love this recipe because:
- Cheese lovers adore the gooey top.
- Potato fans enjoy the tender slices.
- Meat lovers appreciate the hearty beef.
- Families love it because it feeds many at once.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 380–420 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Calcium: 200 mg
- Iron: 2.5 mg
✅ Conclusion
Cheesy Beef & Potato Bake is more than just food – it’s a comforting family classic. It combines the simplicity of potatoes, the richness of beef, and the creaminess of cheese into one irresistible dish. Whether for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that unites potato lovers, beef lovers, and cheese lovers alike.
