Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set for easier serving.
Pro Tips & Variations
Potato Prep: For even cooking, try to slice the potatoes to a uniform thickness, about ¼-inch thick. A mandoline slicer works perfectly for this.
Make it Cheesier: Feel free to add more cheese between the layers for an extra indulgent casserole.
Add Veggies: Incorporate a layer of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots) between the meat and potatoes for a nutritional boost.
Crispy Topping: For a crunchy texture, mix ¼ cup of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the shredded cheese before sprinkling it on top.
Alternative Proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork sausage can be used in place of the ground beef.
