- 1 lb ground beef (lean or 80/20)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky depth)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar)
- ½ cup beef broth (for extra moisture)
For the Potato Layer:
- 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, enhances cheese flavor)
For Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or more cheddar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)