Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a little oil until soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or crumble burger patties if using pre-made burgers) to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned and cooked through, then set aside.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Parboil the potato slices for 5-7 minutes in salted water, until just tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste (this step is optional for a thicker sauce).
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour some of the cheese sauce over the beef and potatoes.
- Repeat with another layer of potatoes, beef, and the remaining cheese sauce.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or any preferred herbs for extra flavor.
Tips:
- You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the ground beef for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, add a mixture of breadcrumbs and cheese on top before baking.
This Potato Casserole with Burgers and Cheese is a satisfying dish that combines the comfort of cheeseburgers with a hearty potato bake, making it a perfect choice for cozy dinners or gatherings!