My neighbor gave me this recipe and I honestly could not believe how good it turned out. It’s a layered potato and beef casserole with a golden cheese crust on top, served with the most addictive little dipping sauce. It looks impressive but it’s really just simple ingredients layered up and baked. The potatoes come out soft and tender, the beef stays juicy, and the cheese pulls into these gorgeous stretchy strands. This has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation.
- 2 lbs potatoes
- 2 lbs ground beef
- salt, black pepper, dried oregano, garlic powder, and paprika to taste
- 6 oz shredded mozzarella
For the sauce:
- 1½ tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1½ tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- a small handful of green olives, chopped
Slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds so they cook through evenly. Season them with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder to taste.
In a separate bowl, season the ground beef with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and mix it well with your hands. Here’s the clever part: spread the seasoned beef out between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it into a flat sheet, then cut it into strips about the same width as your potato slices so they fit neatly together in the dish. Layer everything into a baking dish, alternating between potato slices and strips of beef standing up together.
Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top so it forms a nice golden crust as it finishes. Put it back in the oven for another 15 minutes at 350°F, until the cheese is completely melted and golden.
While it finishes baking, make the quick sauce. Stir together the ketchup, mayonnaise, sour cream, and whole grain mustard until smooth. Then mix in the minced garlic and chopped green olives.
Serve the casserole hot with that flavorful sauce on the side. The potatoes come out soft and tender, the beef juicy, the cheese stretchy with a golden crust, and the sauce ties everything together and makes the whole thing even more irresistible.
