Beef and Spuds (Print-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

01 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
02 - 1 teaspoon thyme (dried)
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
05 - 1 pound of ground beef
06 - 1 tablespoon cooking oil (olive)
07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 cup of beef broth
12 - 1 cup sour cream

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Set your oven to heat at 375°F (190°C).
02 - Cut the peeled potatoes into small, even chunks.
03 - Finely chop the onion and mash or mince the garlic.
04 - Put olive oil in a big pan and heat it up on medium.
05 - Toss in the onion with garlic and stir it around until it smells amazing.
06 - Throw in the ground beef, sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
07 - Cook the beef, stirring now and then, until it’s no longer pink.
08 - Pour the beef broth over the meat and mix it up, letting it simmer gently for a couple of minutes.
09 - Move the pan off the stove to stop cooking.
10 - In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture with the diced potatoes.
11 - Work in the sour cream and half the cheddar until well coated.
12 - Spread everything out nice and even in your chosen dish.
13 - Scatter the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top of the mix.
14 - Cover the dish with aluminum foil, then bake in your hot oven for around 30 minutes.
15 - Take off the foil and bake it again, this time uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling.
16 - Let the dish cool for a few minutes after baking, then dig in.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - It’s better to cut all the potatoes to the same size so they cook evenly.
02 - To get a crunchy layer on top, broil it for a few minutes after baking.
03 - You can switch out sour cream for cream cheese or even heavy cream to make it extra smooth.
04 - Mix in some diced veggies like carrots, peas, or peppers to boost nutrition and taste.
05 - Want it spicier? Stir in some cayenne or chopped chili with the beef.