Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

hamburgerpotatocasserolemilk Loaded with deliciously seasoned meat and potatoes, topped with gooey melted cheese, it's the ultimate comfort food. Simple, satisfying and tasty, making is a guaranteed family favourite. This fuss-free casserole is perfect as a main dish, side dish, or breakfast treat.

2 Tbsp. butter
1 medium onion, diced (~ 1½ cups)
2-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. fresh thyme, minced
2 lbs ground beef
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground
6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (~ 4 cups)
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, unbleached
1 cup beef broth
1½ cups milk
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat an oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4). Grease a 9x13" baking dish with butter.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and thyme and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through (~ 10 minutes), Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks - season with salt and pepper.

While the meat cooks, peel and slice the potatoes thinly and as close to the same thickness as possible so they cook evenly in the casserole.

When the ground meat is no longer pink, sprinkle with the flour on top of the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute to toast the flour.

Combine the beef broth and milk in a large measuring cup. Gradually add the liquid to the skillet, whisking constantly. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly, forming a gravy-like consistency. Remove from the heat.

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes along the bottom of your prepared pan, followed by half of the ground beef mixture. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.

Cover with foil and bake for 1 hours or until the potatoes are tender. Uncover the dish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Cook's Notes:

Broil the casserole for a few minutes after it has finished baking for a crispy top.
Wait until the casserole is done before adding cheese. Then, bake it uncovered until the cheese is nice and bubbly.
Ground beef for a casserole is better slightly undercooked than over because it will finish cooking in the oven. It shouldn’t be pink, but it shouldn’t be dry, either.
Let the potato and beef casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking so the sauce thickens, the flavours meld and you don’t burn your tongue.

Variations and Substitutions:

Mexican Cheesy Casserole: Add a Tex-Mex twist by incorporating black beans, corn and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick and top with avocado and cilantro before serving.
Loaded Baked Potato Style: Mix in crispy bacon bits and green onions then top with sour cream and cheddar cheese. This version is a perfect homage to your favourite loaded baked potato.
Italian Herb Casserole: Season the beef with Italian herbs, like oregano and basil. Swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella and add marinara sauce for a lasagna-like flavour. Top with fresh basil before serving.
Vegetarian Delight: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Use a mix of your favourite cheeses, like feta and mozzarella, for a creamy and hearty dish that’s very filling.
BBQ Hamburger Casserole: Mix BBQ sauce into the beef mixture for a smoky flavour. Add diced bell peppers and onions. Use a mix of cheddar and gouda cheeses. Top with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Swap the beef for shredded buffalo chicken. Add cream cheese and ranch dressing for creaminess. Sprinkle blue cheese crumbles on top for a flavourful change.