Ground beef and potato casserole layers seasoned beef, sliced potatoes, and creamy sauce for a hearty family dinner. This budget-friendly, protein-rich comfort dish is simple to assemble and always satisfying.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Brown ground beef with diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat; season with 0.5 tsp salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Peel and slice potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds for even cooking and arrange half the slices on the bottom of the baking dish.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat; whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth, and season with 0.75 tsp salt. Continue stirring until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Layer half the beef mixture over the potatoes, pour half the sauce on top, then repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake for 45 minutes covered. Remove foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly, ensuring potatoes are fork-tender.
Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving for best texture.