Cheesy Ground Beef and Frozen Potato Casserole

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish with a little butter or oil — we don't want the potatoes sticking, dear.

2. 2

   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Break the meat up as it cooks. When mostly browned, add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. 3

   Season the beef with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir in the tomato paste or crushed tomatoes if using; let it cook a minute to deepen the flavor.

4. 4

   Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to combine. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring so it doesn't lump. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened — this will be our savory beef sauce. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese so it melts into the mixture.

5. 5

   In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the melted butter (this keeps it from breaking) and a pinch of salt. If your frozen potatoes are patties, thaw slightly so they layer flat; if they're diced, keep them as-is.

6. 6

   Layer half the frozen potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish in an even layer. Spoon half the beef mixture over the potatoes and spread gently.

7. 7

   Dollop half the sour-cream mixture over the beef and gently spread (it can be rustic — no need to be perfect). Sprinkle with one cup of the shredded cheese.

8. 8

   Layer the remaining potatoes on top, then the remaining beef mixture. Spread the rest of the sour cream mixture over the top and finish with the remaining cheese.

9. 9

   Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden.

10. 10

    Let the casserole rest 10 minutes so it sets — this makes slicing much neater. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and extra sour cream if you like.

11. 11

    Serve warm. Leftovers reheat beautifully — cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions.