Craving ultimate comfort food dinner recipes? This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ground Beef recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for any night. It’s an easy-to-follow dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table with minimal fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their starchiness.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease, or ground chicken for a lighter option.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a blend also melts wonderfully.
- Milk: Whole milk creates a richer sauce, but 2% milk is also suitable.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics; dried onion flakes and garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 550 calories
- Tools: 9×13 inch baking dish, large skillet, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice your peeled potatoes using a mandoline or a very sharp knife for even cooking. Set them aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce Base
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and onion mixture, stirring well for 1 minute to cook the flour. Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Season the Sauce
Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Assemble the Dish
Spread half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon half of the ground beef and cheese sauce mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and then the remaining sauce.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and continue to bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Variation Ideas:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers or spinach into the ground beef mixture.
- Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with other dried herbs like rosemary or sage.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover and bake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish completely, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: What kind of potatoes are best for scalloped potatoes?
A: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
Q: Can I use pre-sliced potatoes?
A: While convenient, fresh potatoes sliced thinly are generally preferred for best texture and absorption of flavor.
Q: Why are my potatoes still hard after baking?
A: Ensure your potatoes are sliced very thinly and evenly. Also, make sure the dish is covered for the initial baking period to steam the potatoes.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: As written, no, due to the all-purpose flour. You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the flour to make it gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ground Beef?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The texture might be slightly softer after freezing and thawing.