Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole 🥔🧀🍅

Ingredients

For the Potato Layers

• 5–6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (or mashed if preferred)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 cup milk

• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Potatoes

   • If using sliced potatoes: boil until just tender, then drain.

   • If making mash: boil, drain, and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Cook Meat Sauce

   • Heat a skillet over medium heat, add ground beef and cook until browned.

   • Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.

   • Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, and chili flakes. Simmer 10–15 minutes until thickened.

3. Assemble Casserole

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Grease a baking dish.

   • Layer potatoes (slices or mash) on the bottom.

   • Spread a layer of meat sauce over potatoes.

   • Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese.

   • Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with potatoes and a thick cheese layer on top.

4. Bake

   • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.

5. Serve

   • Let rest 5 minutes before cutting into portions. Enjoy hot!

Tips & Variations

• Add a layer of béchamel sauce (white sauce) between layers for extra creaminess.

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• For a Tex-Mex twist, season beef with taco spices and add jalapeños or corn.

• Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.