Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Slice potatoes thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife for even cooking.
Cooking the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced. The mixture should be moist but not soupy.
Making the Cheese-Milk Mixture
- In a small bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and flour until smooth. This helps the top layer thicken slightly. Reserve 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar for the topping and stir the rest into the milk mixture.
Layering the Casserole
- Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared dish, overlapping slightly.
- Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
- Add a second layer of potato slices to cover the beef, pressing gently to compact.
Baking
- Pour the milk and cheese mixture evenly over the top layer. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup cheddar over the top.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10 to 20 minutes more until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
Resting and Serving
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Notes
Use thin, even potato slices for uniform cooking. For extra creaminess, stir 1/2 cup sour cream into the cheese-milk mixture. Make it vegetarian: swap beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based crumble and use vegetable broth.
