Creamy Beef & Potato Bake Recipe
Description
Make and share this Creamy Beef & Potato Bake recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. This dish combines the comforting flavors of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese sauce, creating a delightful and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 potatoes
- 1/4 cup butter, divided
- 2 zucchini, sliced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup milk, divided
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 812.7
- Fat Content: 49.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 24.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 165.8mg
- Sodium Content: 941mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 49.9g
- Fiber Content: 5.4g
- Sugar Content: 7.2g
- Protein Content: 43.5g
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Cooking the Vegetables
- Melt Butter and Oil: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add Zucchini and Seasoning: Add the sliced zucchini, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook until the zucchini is tender.
Assembling the Dish
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the cooked vegetable mixture into a 13″ x 9″ baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook Onion and Beef: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until tender. Add the ground beef and cook until it loses its pink color.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Milk: Stir in the tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of milk into the beef mixture. Spoon this meat mixture over the vegetable layer in the baking dish.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- Melt Remaining Butter: Melt the remaining butter in the skillet.
- Stir in Flour: Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Whisk in Milk: Gradually whisk in the remaining milk. Cook and stir the mixture until it comes to a boil and thickens.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the meat layer in the baking dish.
Baking and Serving
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let Stand: Let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
Additional Tips
- Potato Preparation: For an extra layer of flavor, you can parboil the potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet. This will help them cook faster and more evenly in the bake.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella can provide a gooey, stringy texture, while a bit of Parmesan can add a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: Customize the seasoning to your taste. Adding garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs can elevate the dish.
- Vegetable Options: Don’t limit yourself to just zucchini and potatoes. This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms.
- Healthy Tweaks: To make this dish a bit healthier, you can use low-fat cheese and lean ground beef. Additionally, substituting some of the butter with olive oil can reduce the saturated fat content.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Serve this creamy bake with a fresh garden salad or steamed green beans to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread pairs wonderfully, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine such as Merlot or a robust white wine like Chardonnay would complement the flavors of this dish beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, allow the dish to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Twist: Add some heat to your bake by incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the beef mixture.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley can be added to the cheese sauce for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute or a mixture of lentils and mushrooms to create a delicious vegetarian version of this bake.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef & Potato Bake is a versatile and satisfying dish that can easily become a family favorite. Its blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory elements creates a comfort food experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to serve on a busy weeknight or a comforting dish to bring to a potluck, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease of preparation. Enjoy the process of making it and the pleasure of sharing it with loved ones!
