Smothered Ground Beef and Potato Bake

Ingredients

• POTATO LAYERS
• 8–9 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4–1/2 inch thick
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp butter or oil
• GROUND BEEF
• 3 lb ground beef
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced, or 1/2 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tsp beef bouillon powder
• 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning
• HOMEMADE GRAVY
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp plain flour
• 4 1/2 cups warm beef broth
• 1 tsp beef bouillon, optional
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning
• 1 tsp browning sauce
• TOPPING
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella or Colby-Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley, optional

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a large baking dish.
3. Peel the potatoes and slice them evenly.
4. Season the potato slices with salt and black pepper.
5. Melt 2 tablespoons butter or heat the oil in a large frying pan.
6. Add the ground beef, onions and garlic.
7. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions have softened.
8. Drain excess fat if necessary.
9. Season the beef with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, beef bouillon and all-purpose seasoning.
10. Set the cooked beef aside.
11. For the gravy, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan.
12. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
13. Gradually whisk in the warm beef broth.
14. Continue whisking until smooth and thickened.
15. Add the optional bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper.
16. Season with salt, all-purpose seasoning and browning sauce.
17. Arrange half the potato slices in the baking dish.
18. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
19. Pour the homemade gravy over the beef.
20. Arrange the remaining potatoes on top.
21. Sprinkle with mozzarella or Colby-Jack and Parmesan.
22. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
23. Check that the potatoes are fully tender before removing from the oven.
24. Rest for 10–15 minutes.
25. Garnish with parsley, if using, and serve.