Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Scalloped Potato Kale Beef Casserole is not just a meal – it's a flavor-packed journey that combines hearty ground beef, creamy potatoes, nutritious kale, and melted cheddar cheese into one irresistible dish. Perfect for busy families and comfort food lovers, this recipe promises to become your new go-to meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Remove the browned beef from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions until translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Wash and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife. Aim for uniform, approximately 1/8-inch thick slices to ensure even cooking.
- Rinse and chop the kale into bite-sized pieces, removing any tough stems.
- Begin layering the casserole: Start with a thin layer of sliced potatoes covering the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle some browned beef, sautéed onions, and chopped kale over the potato layer.
- Repeat the layering process, creating multiple layers of potatoes, beef, onions, and kale. Aim for 3-4 layers, ending with a potato layer on top.
- Pour the beef broth evenly over the layers, ensuring it seeps down through the casserole. The liquid will help cook the potatoes and keep the dish moist.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer of potatoes, covering the surface completely.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and help cook the potatoes.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes covered.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, portioning out the layers to ensure each serving has a mix of potatoes, beef, kale, and cheese.
Tips
- Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create even 1/8-inch potato slices. This ensures consistent cooking and prevents some layers from being undercooked.
- Season Each Layer: Don't just season the beef – add a pinch of salt and pepper to each layer for maximum flavor depth.
- Choose the Right Cheese: While cheddar is classic, experiment with gruyère or a blend of cheeses for a more complex taste profile.
- Prevent Dryness: The beef broth is crucial – it keeps the casserole moist and helps cook the potatoes. Don't skimp on this liquid!
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes serving much easier.
- Make It Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftover lunches.
- Optional Enhancements: Add garlic, fresh herbs like thyme, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
