Savory Scalloped Potato and Beef Bake
Indulge in the comforting layers of our Savory Scalloped Potato and Beef Bake, where perfectly sliced russet potatoes are enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce, complemented by a flavorful ground beef mixture. This delightful casserole offers incredible versatility; feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like green beans or mushrooms, and don't hesitate to sprinkle generous amounts of cheddar cheese throughout. For a quicker preparation, simply soften the potatoes in the microwave before baking, ensuring a tender and satisfying dish that will become a family favorite. Ideal for feeding a crowd, this casserole can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors with minimal fuss.
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (Browned in a skillet)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Green bell pepper (optional)
1 small (Seeded and chopped)
Garlic cloves
4 (Finely chopped)
Dried chili pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (Or to taste)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground or to taste)
Russet potatoes
5-6 (Peeled and sliced thinly)
Cheddar cheese
2 cups (Shredded)
Cream of chicken soup
2 (10 3/4 oz) cans (Undiluted)
Onion
1 small (Chopped (about 1/3 cup))
Light cream
3/4 cup (N/A)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (N/A)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Black pepper
To taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat with the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and chili flakes (if desired) until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat using a colander.
3
Return the drained beef mixture to the pan, then stir in the finely chopped garlic, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the meat has a light brown color, adding bacon fat for extra flavor if preferred. Set aside.
4
In a medium bowl, whisk together the undiluted cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, light cream, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and additional seasoning. Mix until well combined.
5
In a greased 13x9 inch baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Pour half of the soup mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Add the cooked ground beef mixture on top, followed by the remaining soup mixture and another layer of cheese if desired.
6
To prevent spills, place the baking dish on a jelly-roll sheet before baking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour.
7
After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Cooking time may vary depending on potato thickness.
8
Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with more grated cheddar cheese. Return to the oven for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
26.25g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Scalloped Potato and Beef Bake?
It is a comforting layered casserole featuring thinly sliced russet potatoes, a flavorful ground beef mixture, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with melted cheese.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are recommended for this dish because they hold up well in a creamy sauce and become perfectly tender when baked.
How do I prepare the ground beef for the casserole?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet with chopped onion and bell pepper until it is no longer pink, then drain the fat before seasoning with garlic and salt.
Can I add extra vegetables to this potato bake?
Yes, you can easily experiment by adding vegetables like green beans or sliced mushrooms to the layers.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
How can I speed up the potato cooking time?
To reduce baking time, you can soften the sliced potatoes in the microwave for a few minutes before layering them into the baking dish.
What is in the creamy sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of undiluted cream of chicken soup, light cream, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and various seasonings.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the recipe suggests peeling the russet potatoes before slicing them thinly.
What type of cheese is used in this casserole?
The recipe uses a combination of shredded cheddar cheese for the layers and topping, and grated Parmesan cheese in the sauce.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake covered for 1 hour, followed by another 20-30 minutes uncovered, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is ideal for preparing in advance, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or planning for a busy weeknight.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, it is recommended to drain any excess fat using a colander after browning the meat to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
How do I prevent spills in my oven?
Place the 13x9 inch baking dish on a jelly-roll sheet before putting it in the oven to catch any drips or spills.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
One serving of this Savory Scalloped Potato and Beef Bake contains approximately 375 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
This recipe provides about 22.5g of protein per serving.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of dried chili pepper flakes to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are finished when they are fork-tender, meaning a fork slides easily through the layers.
Why should I let the casserole rest before serving?
Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes helps the sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
Is the green bell pepper mandatory?
No, the green bell pepper is optional and can be omitted if you prefer.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Adding a bit of bacon fat when cooking the garlic with the beef mixture provides an extra layer of savory flavor.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 13x9 inch baking dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 22.5g of fat.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 finely chopped garlic cloves for the beef and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for the sauce.
Is there any fiber in this meal?
The specific fiber content is not listed for this recipe, though russet potatoes do contribute some dietary fiber.
How much cheddar cheese should I have on hand?
You will need 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, with extra available if you want to add more on top at the end.
What are the main carbohydrates in this dish?
The primary source of the 26.25g of carbohydrates per serving is the russet potatoes.
Can I use fresh herbs?
While the recipe uses dried seasonings, you can certainly garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving for a fresh touch.
How many potatoes should I use?
You will need 5 to 6 medium russet potatoes for this bake.
What if I don't have light cream?
You can substitute light cream with whole milk or half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, the combination of potatoes, beef, and cheese makes it a hearty and satisfying dish that is typically a family favorite.