Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Scalloped Potatoes with Hamburger Meat recipe takes the classic creamy scalloped potatoes and elevates them with a savory ground beef base, creating a satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both quick and impressive. This recipe is a perfect blend of easy recipes and healthy meals, offering a delicious alternative to typical quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
Preparing the Meat Base:
- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
Assembling and Baking the Scalloped Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large greased baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches), layer half of the sliced potatoes.
- Pour half of the meat and gravy mixture over the potatoes.
- Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes and meat mixture.
- Pour the heavy cream evenly over the top layer of potatoes.
- Sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the cream.
Baking to Perfection:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Use a combination of cheeses, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- Make it healthier: Use low-fat or skim milk instead of heavy cream, or substitute some of the cream with milk. You can also increase the amount of vegetables by adding sauteed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat mixture.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little heat.
- Prep ahead: You can prepare the meat and potato layers ahead of time and assemble the dish just before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. However, a rough estimate per serving would be around 400-450 calories, with varying amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands of ingredients you used.
This Scalloped Potatoes with Hamburger Meat recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy potatoes and savory ground beef is a true comfort food classic, made even better with simple homemade cooking techniques. Enjoy this best recipe – it's sure to become a family favorite!