Smothered beef Scalloped Potato Casserole

What is Smothered Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole?

Smothered beef scalloped potato casserole is a comforting and filling dish that layers thinly sliced potatoes with seasoned beef and a creamy sauce. The potatoes are tender and velvety, while the beef adds a rich and savory flavor. This dish is often baked until bubbly and golden brown, creating a satisfyingly crispy top layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make smothered beef scalloped potato casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Beef:

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups (475ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious smothered beef scalloped potato casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the cubed beef to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, beef broth, dried thyme, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
5. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly. Top with half of the cooked beef mixture, then pour half of the cream mixture over the top.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cream mixture.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for scalloped potato dishes because of their high starch content, which helps thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture.
• Slice Evenly: To ensure even cooking, try to slice your potatoes as evenly as possible. A mandoline slicer can be a handy tool for achieving uniform slices.
• Layer Carefully: Layering the potatoes and beef evenly in the baking dish will help ensure that each bite is perfectly balanced.
• Don’t Overcook: Be sure to keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes to avoid overcooking. You want the potatoes to be tender but not mushy, and the cheese topping to be golden brown and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Smothered beef scalloped potato casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it alongside some additional side dishes to round out the meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Steamed Vegetables: Serve the casserole with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a pop of color and added nutrition.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing can help balance out the richness of the casserole.
• Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty French bread or dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the casserole.