This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food layered with rich flavors, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy garlic mushroom sauce. It features a potato and cheddar base, layered with seasoned ground beef and colorful veggies, topped off with a savory white mushroom sauce that brings everything together. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings, this dish is satisfying, nutrient-packed, and truly delicious.
You’ll love the combination of cheesy golden potatoes, herbed beef, sautéed mushrooms, and that irresistible creamy sauce poured over the top. Plus, it’s packed with fresh herbs like dill and parsley for a burst of freshness in every bite.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Time
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Preparation Time: 45 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Cuisine: European comfort food fusion
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Layer:
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250g ground beef
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1 egg
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp ground black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried basil
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1 small onion, grated
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1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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1 tbsp olive oil
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50g butter
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½ red bell pepper, chopped
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½ small onion, chopped
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70g mushrooms, finely chopped
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1 garlic clove, grated
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3 tbsp tomato sauce
For the Potato-Cheddar Base:
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300g raw potatoes, grated and squeezed
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½ red bell pepper, grated
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150g cheddar cheese, grated
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2 eggs
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried basil
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3 tbsp flour
For the Garlic Mushroom Cream Sauce:
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1 garlic clove, grated
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1 tbsp olive oil
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50g butter
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70g chopped mushrooms
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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200ml water
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp dried basil
For Topping and Garnish:
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150g grated cheddar cheese (for topping)
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Chopped fresh dill and parsley
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
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In a large bowl, mix ground beef with 1 egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and basil.
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Add grated onion, chopped dill, and parsley. Mix until fully combined.
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In a heated pan, add olive oil and butter.
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Sauté chopped red bell pepper and onion for 1 minute each.
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Add mushrooms and garlic, cooking for another minute.
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Stir in tomato sauce and cook for 2 minutes.
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Combine this mixture with the beef mixture and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Base
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Grate the potatoes and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
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Add grated red pepper and cheddar cheese.
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Mix in eggs, salt, pepper, paprika, basil, and flour.
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Line a baking tray with parchment paper and grease lightly.
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Spread the potato mixture evenly and flatten with a spatula.
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Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 20 minutes until golden.
Step 3: Layer the Dish
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Once baked, slice the potato base into 6 or 8 equal pieces.
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Place half in a baking dish as the bottom layer.
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Spoon the beef mixture over the slices evenly.
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Sprinkle 150g of grated cheddar cheese on top. Reserve a bit for final topping.
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Cover with the remaining potato slices.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Mushroom Sauce
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In a saucepan, heat olive oil and melt butter.
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Add grated garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Stir in chopped mushrooms and sauté for 1 minute.
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Add flour and stir constantly until lightly golden.
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Slowly pour in water while whisking to avoid lumps.
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Add salt, pepper, and basil. Stir until thickened (about 2 minutes).
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Pour sauce evenly over the layered casserole.
Step 5: Final Bake
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Sprinkle reserved cheese on top.
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Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh dill and parsley.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a side of cucumber or tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
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Pair with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
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Great as a standalone main course or a hearty side for roast meats.
Cooking Tips
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Always squeeze excess water from the potatoes to avoid sogginess.
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Add a pinch of chili flakes to the beef for a mild kick.
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Swap cheddar with mozzarella for a milder, stretchier cheese layer.
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You can prepare the components ahead and assemble just before baking.
Nutritional Benefits
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Beef provides protein, zinc, and B vitamins.
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Potatoes offer fiber and potassium.
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Mushrooms add immune-supporting antioxidants.
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Cheddar contributes calcium and flavor richness.
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Dill and parsley are full of vitamins and refreshing in taste.
Storage
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes.
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This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months—freeze after baking and cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ultimate comfort food—melty cheese, creamy sauce, and tender meat
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Family-friendly and customizable
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Easy to prepare in advance and bake when ready
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Nutrient-packed with fresh herbs and vegetables
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Delicious hot or cold—great for next-day leftovers
Recipe Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Bake is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the smell of home. From the crispy potato base to the creamy mushroom sauce topping, every bite offers warmth, comfort, and layers of flavor. Perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works beautifully here.
2. Do I have to use cheddar cheese?
Not at all—you can swap with mozzarella, gouda, or a mix of cheeses.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground meat with lentils or plant-based mince.
4. How do I prevent the potato layer from becoming soggy?
Make sure to squeeze out the moisture from grated potatoes thoroughly.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the full bake and refrigerate until ready to cook.
6. Can I use a food processor to grate the vegetables?
Absolutely! It saves time and effort, especially with the potatoes and cheese.
7. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Add another teaspoon of flour or simmer longer until thickened.
8. Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes—freeze it after baking and cooling, then reheat in the oven.
9. What can I serve it with?
It pairs well with green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.
10. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust cooking time slightly.