Savor cozy flavors with our 'Cheesy Comfort' recipe, featuring succulent hamburger, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese in a comforting, hearty bake.
Cheesy Comfort: Ultimate Hamburger Potato Bake Extravaganza
Introduction
Welcome to the world of comfort food where every bite brings warmth and satisfaction. Today, we’re diving into a dish that epitomizes cozy dining: the Cheesy Comfort: Ultimate Hamburger Potato Bake Extravaganza. This delicious recipe combines the heartiness of ground beef, the creaminess of cheese, and the rustic charm of potatoes into a one-pan wonder that is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for chilly evenings or any time you need a meal that feels like a hug on a plate, this bake is both gratifying and easy to prepare. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all your ingredients and butter a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Season and Simmer: With the beef in the skillet, add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
Layer the Dish: In your buttered baking dish, arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes to cover the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potato layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the beef.
Repeat Layers: Create another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining beef mixture. Top with the other 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, whisking for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, melting it into the sauce.
Assemble the Bake: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the layered beef and potato dish, ensuring it seeps down into the layers.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Final Touches: Remove the foil after 30 minutes and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the Cheesy Comfort: Ultimate Hamburger Potato Bake Extravaganza, a dish that combines layers of flavors and textures into a satisfying meal. This casserole doesn’t just taste amazing—it’s also an adaptable recipe. Feel free to add vegetables such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrients. Perfectly cheesy, hearty, and easy to prepare, this bake is sure to earn its place at your dinner table. Enjoy your cheesy extravaganza!