Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. This comforting casserole is going to fill your kitchen with the most amazing aromas!
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, and heavy cream until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture is what makes the casserole so rich and delicious.
Wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly, then use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice them into thin ⅛-inch slices. Thin slices are key – they’ll cook evenly and become perfectly tender in the hour baking time.
Heat a large 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking and breaking up the meat until it’s nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Drain off excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.
In the same skillet (or a greased 9×13 baking dish), create your first layer: arrange one-third of the sliced potatoes in an overlapping pattern, then pour one-third of the cheese sauce over them, followed by one-third of the browned beef.
Repeat the layering process two more times: potatoes, sauce, beef, then potatoes, sauce, beef again. Don’t add the shredded cheese yet – that goes on at the end for the perfect golden top.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are fork-tender when you poke them with a knife. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes to set up – this makes it much easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy this ultimate comfort food dinner!
Notes
This ultimate comfort food combines tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and a rich cheese sauce into one satisfying dish.
Cutting the potatoes thin (⅛-inch) is crucial for even cooking – thicker slices will need more baking time.
You can use russet or red potatoes instead of Yukon Gold, but Yukon Gold gives the creamiest texture.
A mandoline slicer makes quick work of getting perfectly even potato slices.
Try mixing different cheeses like pepper jack with the cheddar for extra flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
Large 12-inch oven-safe skillet or 9×13 baking dish
Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
Medium mixing bowl
Aluminum foil
