Easy Potato Ground Beef Casserole

Are you thinking about how you will turn your ground beef and potatoes into an amazing dinner? How about making this easy potato ground beef casserole from Simply Mamá Cooks on Youtube? It’s a super easy dinner to pull off that is perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe also has an amazing flavor, thanks to the combination of the spices used. Watch the video below to learn the full recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 lb russet potatoes (sliced and pre-boiled)
• 8 oz cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 tbsp butter (for greasing)

For the beef mixture:

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

For the bechamel sauce:

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

Directions:

Step 1

To start, cut the potatoes in rounds, a quarter of an inch in thickness. After this, put them into a pot of cold water on the stove, then turn on the heat. Put a bit of chicken bouillon powder to give the potatoes some flavor. Once it comes to a boil, wait for it for another minute before turning off the heat. Drain the potatoes and run them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Next, add the lean ground beef to a cold pan, then turn on the heat. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper. Break apart the ground beef and start cooking it. After the ground beef turned brown, add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper. After mixing, add 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp seasoned salt, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp dried chives, 1 tsp dried parsley, and the minced garlic. Saute and brown everything well. After this, turn the heat into a medium and create a space in the center. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and melt it down. Next, add 5 tbsp of all-purpose flour. Mix well to combine everything and cook for another minute. Now, add 2 cups of low sodium beef broth and bring it to a simmer and let it thicken. Once it thickened, you can add a 1 tsp kitchen bouquet (this is optional.)

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Step 2

To make the bechamel sauce, in a small pot over low heat, add 4 tbsp of unsalted butter and melt it. Once it melted, add 5 tbsp of all-purpose flour. Mix it until flour dissolves. Next, add 2 cups of whole milk little by little. Add a pinch of salt and let it come to a gentle simmer. Turn off the heat and add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Now, start assembling the casserole. Grease your casserole with 2 – 3 tbsp of butter, then layer all the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Season it with some seasoning salt, smoked paprika, cracked black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Layer in the shredded cheddar cheese (half of it), then add the beef mixture and spread it nicely. Next, pour the bechamel sauce all over the top of the beef mixture, then add the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F uncovered for about 45 – 50 minutes. After it’s done, let it cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Easy Potato Ground Beef Casserole