Introduction
This Potato and Ground Beef Bake is the ultimate comfort dish — creamy, cheesy, and full of rich flavors.
Tender layers of potatoes cradle juicy, paprika-seasoned meatballs, all smothered in a smooth homemade béchamel sauce and topped with melted mozzarella.
It’s a versatile and satisfying meal that works beautifully for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish
- 3 large potatoes
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1.6 pounds (750 grams) ground beef
- 1 teaspoon (15 ml) paprika
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (250 ml) basic béchamel sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 4 cups (1 liter) milk
- 5 tablespoons (75 grams) butter
- 4 tablespoons (48 grams) flour
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) salt
- ½ teaspoon (3 ml) ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 6 minutes until a golden roux forms.
Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Season with salt and nutmeg, then set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly seasoned.
4. Cook the Potatoes
Peel and boil the potatoes for about 7 minutes — just until they start to soften. Drain and slice into rounds.
5. Assemble the Dish
Arrange a layer of potato slices along the base and edges of a baking or pie dish.
Shape the meat mixture into medium-sized meatballs (about the size of an ice cream scoop) and place them inside the dish.
Use the remaining potato slices to separate each meatball section.
6. Add Béchamel and Cheese
Pour the béchamel sauce evenly over the meatballs and potatoes.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
8. Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy this creamy, savory, and beautifully layered dish!
Variations & Tips
- 🥕 Add Vegetables: Mix in diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for more texture and color.
- 🧀 Try Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Gruyère, or a cheese blend for a richer flavor.
- 🌶️ Spice It Up: Add chili powder, cayenne, or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- 🌿 Fresh Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, or basil pair wonderfully with the creamy béchamel.
- 🥔 Layered Option: Alternate layers of potatoes and ground beef instead of meatballs for a casserole-style bake.
- ⏲️ Perfect Finish: Bake until the top is golden and bubbly — the béchamel should lightly brown around the edges.
- 🍽️ Serving Idea: Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
This Potato and Ground Beef Bake with Béchamel Sauce delivers everything you want in a comfort meal — creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly hearty.
It’s simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a family favorite. ❤️
