- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is browned and onions are soft (5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano, cooking for another minute.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup and beef broth, then simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, cooking for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until smooth.
- Add cheddar cheese and mustard powder, stirring until melted and creamy. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish. Season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the beef.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella or extra cheddar on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Variants
- Mexican-Inspired Version: Add 1 teaspoon taco seasoning to the beef and top with sliced jalapeños.
- Creamier Version: Mix in ½ cup sour cream with the cheese sauce for extra richness.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for mushrooms and black beans.
- Extra Crunchy Topping: Add crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
FAQ
1. Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
Yes! Parboil the potato slices for 5 minutes to speed up baking.
2. Can I use frozen hash browns instead of sliced potatoes?
Absolutely! Just layer them as you would with fresh potatoes.
3. Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes! Try pepper jack for spice, gouda for richness, or Monterey Jack for creaminess.
4. Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead before baking.
5. What should I serve with this dish?
A fresh salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread pair well with this casserole.
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