Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 5–6 medium Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

• 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
• Large skillet
• Sharp knife or mandoline
• Mixing spoon
• Aluminium foil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Peel and slice the potatoes into ⅛-inch (3 mm) thick slices.
• Boil them for 5 minutes until just beginning to soften.
• Drain well.

2. Cook the Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
• Cook the onion for 4 minutes.
• Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned.
• Drain excess grease.
• Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Assemble

• Lightly grease the baking dish.
• Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom.
• Arrange half the potatoes in an even layer.
• Spoon half the beef mixture over the potatoes.
• Sprinkle with half the mozzarella.
• Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and mozzarella.
• Finish with Parmesan, if using.

4. Bake

• Cover with foil.
• Bake for 40 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake another 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling and the potatoes are tender.

5. Rest

• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Green salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Garlic green beans
• Roasted asparagus
• Dinner rolls or crusty bread

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Storage

Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Reheating

• Microwave: 2–3 minutes per serving.
• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, covered.
• Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes.

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Tips

• Slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
• Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamier texture, while russets become fluffier.
• For extra richness, add ½ cup heavy cream between the layers.
• Mix cheddar or provolone with the mozzarella for even more flavour.

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Nutrition (Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg

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Nut Information

Naturally Nut-Free Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Potatoes
• Onion
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Herbs and spices
• Fresh parsley

Contains

• ✔ Milk (mozzarella and Parmesan)

Does NOT Contain

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Eggs
• Wheat (if using a gluten-free marinara sauce)
• Soy (check cheese and sauce labels if needed)
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Sesame

Cross-Contamination Note:
If serving someone with a severe nut allergy, verify that the cheese, marinara sauce, and seasonings are produced in a nut-free facility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use raw potatoes instead of boiling them?
Yes, but the casserole will need an extra 15–20 minutes of covered baking to ensure the potatoes become tender.

Can I substitute the beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or Italian sausage all work well.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, diced bell peppers, or corn are great additions.

How do I know it’s done?
Insert a knife into the centre—it should slide through the potatoes easily, and the cheese should be browned and bubbling.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Simply use a certified gluten-free marinara sauce and check that any seasonings are gluten-free.