Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a less greasy finish.
- 1 yellow onion: Dice it finely to ensure it melds well with the beef.
- 3-4 lbs potatoes: Peel and slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly.
- 8 oz or more shredded Cheddar cheese: Use more for extra cheesiness.
- 1 can Cheddar cheese soup mix: This will add creaminess and flavor.
- 12 oz evaporated milk or whole milk: Evaporated milk makes it richer.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds to the creaminess of the dish.
- 1 tsp salt: Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Freshly ground for better flavor.
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cooking the Meat:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the crumbled ground beef and diced onion to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are soft and translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the beef is crumbled finely to spread evenly in the layers.
- Assembling the Casserole:
- Begin by arranging a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Season the potatoes with some of the salt and pepper.
- Spread about one-third of the cooked beef and onion mixture over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle one-third of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with a layer of cheese on top for a gooey, golden crust.
- Creating the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Cheddar cheese soup mix, evaporated milk, and additional half cup of milk until smooth.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the layered potatoes, beef, and cheese. This will help to bind all the layers together and keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
- Baking the Casserole:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and to help the potatoes cook thoroughly.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for one hour.
- After an hour, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top layer of cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, straight from the oven.
- Consider pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
Storage Tips:
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the oven or microwave. This casserole also freezes well for future meals.
