Potato and Ground Beef Casserole with Carrots and Golden Cheddar Crust

Golden brown butter potatoes, juicy ground beef, and melted cheddar! This hearty potato and ground beef casserole with carrots, onions, and garlic is a delicious meal for the whole family.

The potatoes are pre-cooked and then sautéed until golden brown in olive oil and butter. Along with the savory meat and vegetable mixture, they are placed in a baking dish and topped with cheddar.


INGREDIENTS FOR 4 TO 5 SERVINGS:

1 kg (2.2 lb) potatoes
Olive oil for frying
2 tbsp butter, divided
2 medium onions
2 carrots
2 garlic cloves
700 g (1.5 lb) ground beef
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp mustard
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp sweet paprika
150 ml (⅔ cup) broth
Salt and black pepper to taste
180 g (6.3 oz) grated cheddar


PREPARATION:

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into even cubes. Pre-cook in salted water for about 10 to 12 minutes. They should be nearly cooked but still hold their shape. Drain and let steam out.

2. Heat some olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large pan. Sauté the potatoes until golden brown and set aside.

3. Finely chop the onions and dice the carrots. Also finely chop the garlic.

4. Heat some olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in the pan. Add the onions and carrots and sauté until they get a little color. Add the garlic and briefly sauté.

5. Add the ground beef and fry vigorously. Break it apart with a wooden spoon until it is nicely browned and cooked through.

6. Add the tomato paste and stir well. Add mustard, thyme, and paprika.

7. Deglaze with the broth and stir. Let it simmer briefly until the mixture is juicy but contains no excess liquid. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Turn off the heat. Add the sautéed potatoes and mix gently.

9. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with the grated cheddar.

10. Bake in a preheated oven at 250 °C (480 °F) top and bottom heat for 13 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Enjoy your meal!