Fiery Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake
This Fiery Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake is a hearty comfort food that transforms basic boxed au gratin potatoes into a scrumptious dish with a spicy twist. Combining tender ground beef with sautéed onions, fragrant spices, and creamy cheesy potatoes, this recipe creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. As it bakes, the cheese melts into the rich layers of beef and potatoes, creating a deliciously gooey topping that will have your family coming back for seconds. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its blend of spices and hearty ingredients. Adjust the heat to your liking by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread to round out the meal!
N/A
Servings
170
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
3/4 lb (uncooked)
White onion
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for spice)
Seasoning salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Au gratin potatoes
1 (5 1/4 ounce) package (boxed mix)
Boiling water
2 cups (boiled)
Milk
2/3 cup (whole or low-fat)
Melted butter or margarine
1 teaspoon (melted)
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a medium non-stick skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef, finely chopped white onion, crushed red pepper flakes, and seasoning salt. Cook, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3
While the meat mixture is cooking, bring water to a boil in a separate pot.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the au gratin potato mix (including the seasoning packet), boiling water, milk, melted butter (or margarine), ground black pepper, and the cooked beef mixture. Stir until well mixed.
5
Pour the entire mixture into a greased or lightly sprayed 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6
Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
7
After 30 minutes, remove the cover and sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8
Continue baking uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
9
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
13g
Carbs
9.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fiery Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake?
It is a hearty comfort food dish that combines ground beef, sautéed onions, and spices with a boxed au gratin potato mix, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 170 calories.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How much ground beef is required for this recipe?
You will need 3/4 lb of uncooked ground beef.
What makes this potato bake 'fiery'?
The heat comes from the addition of 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What kind of potatoes are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one 5 1/4 ounce package of boxed au gratin potatoes.
How much cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
What is the total baking time?
The dish bakes for 30 minutes covered, followed by an additional 10-15 minutes uncovered, totaling about 40-45 minutes.
Do I need to cook the onion before baking?
Yes, you should sauté the finely chopped white onion with the ground beef until the beef is browned and the onion is tender.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 2-quart baking dish should be used.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 1 teaspoon of melted butter or margarine.
What kind of milk should I use?
You can use 2/3 cup of either whole or low-fat milk.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe contains 9.5g of protein per serving.
Is the water added to the potato mix cold or hot?
You should use 2 cups of boiling water when mixing the potatoes.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the dish should be greased or lightly sprayed before adding the mixture.
What spices are included in the beef mixture?
The beef is seasoned with crushed red pepper flakes and seasoning salt.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess fat after browning the meat and onions.
What are the fat and carbohydrate contents?
The dish contains 9g of fat and 13g of carbohydrates per serving.
When do I add the shredded cheese?
The cheese is sprinkled over the top after the initial 30 minutes of baking.
Does the recipe include black pepper?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper is stirred into the potato and beef mixture.
Can I serve this with anything specific?
It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread to round out the meal.
Is this a fast recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is considered an easy weeknight dinner since it uses a convenient boxed potato mix.
What type of onion is best?
The recipe specifies 1/3 cup of finely chopped white onion.
Is the dish baked covered or uncovered?
It is baked covered for the first 30 minutes and then uncovered for the final 10-15 minutes.
What is the texture of the final dish?
It is a creamy, cheesy casserole with tender beef and a gooey, bubbly cheese topping.
How many ingredients total are needed?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I reduce the heat of the dish?
Yes, simply decrease the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Do I need to let it cool before serving?
Yes, letting it cool for a few minutes helps the sauce set before serving.
What type of cheddar is recommended?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for the best flavor profile.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include beef, potato bake, comfort food, cheesy, spicy, and casserole.