Creamy Potato Ground Beef Casserole

This creamy potato ground beef casserole by Simply Mama Cooks is the best family dish you can easily prepare at home. It is perfectly seasoned and so delicious, especially with the bechamel sauce. I bet everyone will finish this in a few seconds and ask for more.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of russet potatoes (sliced and par-boiled)
• 8 oz of cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 tablespoons of butter (for greasing the baking dish)
• 9 x 13 baking dish

For the beef mixture:

• 1 lb of lean ground beef
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of cracked black pepper
• 1 small onion
• 1/2 small bell pepper (optional)
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of dried chives
• 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of granulated garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of granulated onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon of kitchen bouquet (optional)

For the bechamel sauce:

• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of whole milk
• pinch of salt
• pinch of freshly grated nutmeg

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Instructions:

Step 1:

Place a pan over heat, add the lean ground beef, and season with salt and cracked black pepper. Break it apart and cook until browned.

Step 2:

Add the chopped onions and bell peppers, followed by the seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, dried chives, dried parsley, and garlic. Mix and saute until cooked through.

Step 3:

Make a well on the center and turn the heat to medium. Add a 1/4 cup of butter and melt it. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour. Combine well. Next, add the beef broth and bring it to a simmer until thickened. Once it thickens, it’s time to add the kitchen bouquet. Taste it and make some adjustments if needed.

Step 4:

Make the bechamel sauce. In a small pot, add the unsalted butter and melt it down over low heat. Once melted, add the flour. Combine and cook for 1 minute. Next, add room-temperature milk gradually while continuously stirring. Add a pinch of salt and continuously stir until thickened a little bit. Lastly, mix freshly grated nutmeg.

Step 5:

Grease your baking dish with butter. Layer your potatoes into the baking dish. Season with seasoned salt, smoked paprika, cracked black upper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Next, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top. After that, spread the ground beef mixture on top.

Step 6:

Pour the bechamel sauce on top and sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese. Place in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F uncovered for about 45 to 50 minutes or until it’s bubbling and browned on top. Once done, allow it to cool and set for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Creamy Potato Ground Beef Casserole