Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and Slice Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and slicing them thinly. This will help them cook evenly and quickly in the oven.
Pre-cook the Potatoes: To ensure the potatoes are tender, you can pre-cook them slightly. Place the sliced potatoes in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s browned. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Season the Beef: Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Add the chopped parsley and mix well.
Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the Potatoes: In a large baking dish, create an even layer of the pre-cooked potato slices at the bottom.
Add Beef Mixture: Spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the layer of potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
Repeat Layers: Add another layer of potato slices, followed by the remaining ground beef mixture. Finish with a final layer of potato slices on top.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will help the potatoes cook through without the cheese burning.
Remove Foil: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into portions.
Serve: Serve the casserole warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
Thin Slices: Ensure the potato slices are thin and uniform in size for even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be very helpful for this step.
Pre-cook Potatoes: Pre-cooking the potatoes helps ensure they are fully cooked in the casserole. If you skip this step, make sure to bake the casserole longer until the potatoes are tender.
Season Well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning. The combination of salt, pepper, and paprika adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Cheese: Feel free to use other types of cheese if you prefer. Cheddar or Gruyère can be great alternatives to mozzarella.
Variations
Vegetable Additions: Add layers of sliced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Different Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the casserole.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or chili flakes to customize the flavor.
This Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and melted cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser. With its simple preparation and delicious results, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy this hearty dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
