Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 5.5 Yukon Gold or russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced (5-6 medium potatoes))
• 1 onion (small, diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. 2

   Peel the potatoes and slice them into ⅛-inch (3 mm) thick slices using a sharp knife or mandoline.

3. 3

   Boil the potato slices for 5 minutes until they are just beginning to soften, then drain them well.

4. 4

   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

5. 5

   Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes until softened.

6. 6

   Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

7. 7

   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, then drain off any excess grease.

8. 8

   Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

9. 9

   Simmer the beef mixture for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

10. 10

    Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

11. 11

    Spread a thin layer of the beef and sauce mixture on the bottom of the dish.

12. 12

    Arrange half of the boiled potatoes in an even layer over the sauce.

13. 13

    Spoon half of the remaining beef mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.

14. 14

    Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, the rest of the beef mixture, and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella.

15. 15

    Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese over the top, if using.

16. 16

    Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

17. 17

    Bake for 40 minutes.

18. 18

    Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling and the potatoes are completely tender.

19. 19

    Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

20. 20

    Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

A comment suggests that zucchini or yellow squash can be used as a substitute for potatoes for a lower-carb or diabetic-friendly version.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• casserole
• baked
• beef
• dinner
• family-style
• easy-dinner