Sure! The dish in your photo looks like a Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole – a hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing meal. I’ll give you a full, detailed recipe write-up with everything you asked for: introduction, history, ingredients, instructions, methods, benefits, formation, nutrition, lovers, and conclusion.
🥘 Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe
🌟 Introduction
Casseroles have always been the epitome of comfort food. This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is warm, cheesy, and loaded with flavors that remind you of home. It layers seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, tomatoes, and melted cheese into one delicious baked dish. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you just want a hearty meal that feeds many.
🏛 History
Casseroles date back centuries, but the modern American-style casserole became popular in the 20th century when busy families needed quick, oven-baked meals. Ingredients like potatoes, ground beef, and cheese were cheap, filling, and readily available. Over time, this dish became a staple of potlucks, Sunday suppers, and cozy family dinners.
🥔 Ingredients (for 6–8 servings)
- 1 ½ pounds (700 g) ground beef
- 5–6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced or boiled and lightly mashed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, diced)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar & mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ cup milk or cream (optional, for creamier potatoes)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
🍳 Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes until just tender, then drain.
- Lightly mash or slice into rounds. Add a splash of milk, butter, salt, and pepper for flavor.
- Cook Ground Beef
- In a skillet, heat olive oil.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until golden.
- Add ground beef, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the potatoes.
- Spread the ground beef mixture evenly on top.
- Add the remaining potatoes.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
- Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
🥄 Methods
- Layering Method: Ensures each bite has potatoes, beef, and cheese.
- Simmering Method: Cooking beef with tomatoes locks in flavor.
- Baking Method: Melts cheese perfectly and binds ingredients together.
🌿 Benefits
- Nutritious: Contains protein (beef, cheese), carbs (potatoes), and vitamins (tomatoes, onions).
- Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday pantry staples.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for cold days or when you need a filling meal.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
🏗 Formation (Layer Breakdown)
- Base layer – seasoned potatoes.
- Middle layer – savory beef & tomato mixture.
- Top layer – cheesy potato topping.
- Final touch – golden melted cheese crust.
🍽 Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 380–420 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Calcium: 180 mg
💕 Lovers of This Dish
- Busy Families – for quick, filling dinners.
- Cheese Lovers – melted cheese heaven!
- Comfort Food Fans – hearty and nostalgic.
- Meal Preppers – reheats well for next-day lunches.
📝 Conclusion
The Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is more than just a dish – it’s a warm hug on a plate. With simple ingredients, a touch of love, and the magic of cheese, it turns into a meal everyone at the table will enjoy. Whether served at family gatherings, Sunday suppers, or cozy weeknights, this casserole promises comfort, flavor, and satisfaction.
✨ Once you try it, it will surely become one of your family’s most-requested recipes!
Would you like me to also give you variations of this casserole (like Mexican-style, creamy mushroom, or vegetarian versions) so you can enjoy it in different flavors?