Scalloped Potato, Kale, and Beef Casserole
Try this Scalloped Potato, Kale, and Beef Casserole recipe.
Try this Scalloped Potato, Kale, and Beef Casserole recipe.
- sea salt to taste
- 1 small onion chopped
- pepper to taste
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 lb grass-fed ground beef
- 1 tablespoon butter + more for greasing the casserole pan
- 2 handfuls of kale chopped (about 3-4 cups. i get th take 2 handfuls out, and then run my knife through the leaves.)
- 1 tsp dried thyme + extra to sprinkle on top
- 1 1/4 cup shredded cheese + extra to sprinkle on top
- 1 1/2 cups condensed cream of chicken soup (i keep this quick
- 1/2 cup whole milk sour cream
- 3-4 medium potatoes sliced thin on the round (a mandolin woul
- chopped fresh parsley to garnish (optional)
- Carbohydrate 1.4542001081808 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0201233676541426 g
- Fiber 0.254488572931703 g
- Protein 0.192854101838471 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00701188784521516 g
- Serving Size 1 1 x9 casserole; double for a 13x9 casserole (38g)
- Sodium 17.887913736352 mg
- Sugar 1.19971153524909 g
- Trans Fat 0.00475042168432884 g
- Calories 6 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Brown the beef in a pan. While the beef cooks, sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
- Use a slotted spoon to set the beef aside, leaving the grease behind to cook in.
- Add the butter to the beef fat in the pan.
- To the butter and fat, add the: onion, garlic, kale, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté the veggies in the pan for about 5 minutes, until the kale wilts.
- Add the browned beef to the veggies, stirring to combine.
- Add the sea salt and pepper to the mixture according to your taste.
- Put the cheese, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream in a small mixing bowl and combine the ingredients with a spoon.
- Cover the bottom of a small buttered baking dish with a layer of overlapping sliced potatoes.
- Spread half the cheese mixture over the potatoes, then all of the beef/kale mixture, and then the rest of the cheese mixture over the top of the beef/kale mixture.
- Place a final overlapping layer of potatoes on the top, cover the baking dish with foil, and bake for 1 hour.
- Take the foil off and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Then take the dish out, sprinkle the extra grated cheese and a small amount of dried thyme over the top.
- Bake for 10 more minutes to melt the cheese.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve warm.
A Hearty and Satisfying Scalloped Potato, Kale, and Beef Casserole
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a wholesome and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the never-ending laundry pile. But I firmly believe that nourishing my family with home-cooked meals is crucial, and that doesn't mean it has to be complicated. This Scalloped Potato, Kale, and Beef Casserole is my go-to recipe for those nights when I need something hearty, flavorful, and relatively quick to prepare. It's a one-pan wonder that's packed with protein, vegetables, and comforting creamy goodness.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. It's a straightforward recipe that relies on the inherent deliciousness of quality ingredients. I prefer to use grass-fed ground beef for its richer flavor and nutritional value. The kale adds a boost of vitamins and minerals, counterbalancing the richness of the cheese and cream of chicken soup. The potatoes provide a comforting base, absorbing all those wonderful flavors. And let's not forget the thyme – a fragrant herb that elevates the entire dish. I find that using a mandoline slicer to thinly slice the potatoes is key to ensuring even cooking and a tender texture, but a sharp knife works perfectly well too!
Beyond the Recipe: A Weeknight Staple
This casserole isn't just a meal; it's a solution. It's my answer to the question, "What's for dinner?" on those hectic weeknights. The preparation is straightforward – browning the beef, sautéing the vegetables, layering the ingredients, and baking. Even my kids can help with some of the simpler steps, like washing and chopping vegetables. This fosters a sense of family involvement and teamwork in the kitchen. And the best part? It's a meal that everyone in my family enjoys.
Tips and Variations: Making it Your Own
While I love this recipe as is, I often like to experiment and customize it to our tastes and what's in my pantry. Sometimes, I’ll swap the kale for spinach or even add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky twist. The cheese is also a fantastic opportunity to get creative. Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère, cheddar, or a blend. I've also found that using a combination of whole milk and some cream cheese adds a delicious tang and a wonderfully rich texture. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Dinner Table: Leftovers and More
This casserole also makes fantastic leftovers. I often pack a portion for my husband’s lunch the next day, and it's perfect for a quick and easy dinner the following night. The flavors actually deepen when reheated, making it even more delicious. Consider doubling the recipe to have extra portions for meal prep or to freeze for a future busy weeknight. It reheats beautifully from frozen, making it a lifesaver on those particularly chaotic days. Freezing individual portions makes it super convenient.
More Than Just a Meal: A Moment of Connection
Cooking this casserole is more than just preparing a meal; it's about creating a warm and comforting experience for my family. The aroma of the baking casserole fills our kitchen with a sense of homeliness, setting the stage for a relaxing and enjoyable dinner together. As we gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter, the food itself becomes a backdrop to creating precious memories. It's the kind of meal that nourishes not just our bodies, but also our souls, bringing us closer as a family amidst the chaos of everyday life. It is simple, yet deeply satisfying.
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, remember this simple yet satisfying casserole. It's a recipe for nourishment, both physically and emotionally. It's a reminder that even amidst the whirlwind of a busy life, we can still create moments of warmth, connection, and deliciousness.
