Creamy Ground Beef & Potato Bake: A Comforting Family Meal

Looking for a hearty and satisfying dish to delight your family? This creamy ground beef and potato bake, inspired by the classic French Dauphinois potatoes, offers a comforting and flavorful experience. A touch of Dijon mustard elevates the creamy sauce, adding depth while remaining subtly detectable. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining a crowd and can even be prepared in advance.

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes (about 1.7 lb / 800 g)
• 1 lb (450–500 g) ground beef
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste (30 g)
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper

Cream Sauce

• 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp (30 g) crème fraîche
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp whole grain or Dijon mustard
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper

Cheese

• ¾ cup (70–80 g) white cheddar, shredded
• ¾ cup (80–100 g) orange cheddar, shredded

Equipment

• A large, ovenproof skillet
• A minor saucepan
• A chopping board and a knife
• A spatula or a wooden spoon
• Mandolin (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F.
2. Warm up a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Fry the ground beef (1 lb / 450g) for 5–6 minutes, crumbling it into small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon until lightly browned.
3. Finely chop the shallot and add it to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
4. Slice the garlic cloves thinly. Add to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Stir in the tomato paste (2 tablespoons) and cook for a further minute.
6. Season with paprika (1 teaspoon), salt, and black pepper.
7. In a separate bowl, prepare the cream sauce: combine heavy cream (1 cup / 250 ml), crème fraîche (2 tbsp / 30 g), butter (2 tbsp), Dijon mustard (1 tsp), nutmeg (a pinch), salt, and pepper.
8. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes over the beef mixture in the skillet.
9. Pour the cream sauce evenly over the potatoes.
10. Sprinkle the shredded white and orange cheddar cheese (¾ cup each) over the top.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown, and bubbly.

Tips and Variations

For a different flavor profile, consider substituting the ground beef with chicken, fish, or mushrooms. Adjust the seasoning to complement the chosen protein or vegetable. Russet potatoes are not recommended as they tend to lose their shape during cooking; yellow or red potatoes are preferable.