Baked Television-Inspired Layered Casserole

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-02 · Updated 2026-05-02

A comforting layered casserole inspired by the growth of television ownership, combining creamy potatoes, cheese, and savory ground beef baked to bubbly perfection. This American-inspired comfort-food recipe, ready in about 21 minutes, pairs russet potatoes, ground beef, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 4 large, thinly sliced russet potatoes
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 2, minced garlic cloves
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
• 1 tsp, divided black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter and sauté 1 diced medium yellow onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 1 lb ground beef. Cook, breaking up meat, for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and continue whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika.
5. Step 5: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes (4 large russet potatoes) evenly. Pour half of the milk sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Step 6: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer, then add remaining sliced potatoes. Pour remaining milk sauce on top and cover with last 1 cup cheddar cheese.
7. Step 7: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Step 8: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow casserole to set.