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Crispy Lemon Herb-Crusted Beef Casserole

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A savory layered casserole featuring a crispy lemon herb crust over tender ground beef, caramelized onions, and thinly sliced potatoes. This dish balances fresh brightness with hearty comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced and caramelized
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 100g)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup low sodium beef broth (240ml)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or butter.
  2. Caramelize onions by heating 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 25–30 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
  3. Transfer caramelized onions to a bowl. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Mix caramelized onions and minced garlic into the browned beef. Remove from heat.
  5. Prepare the herb crust by combining panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, Parmesan (if using), 1 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until evenly coated.
  6. Layer the casserole by spreading a thin layer of beef broth at the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange half of the potato slices in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, then spread half of the beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef mixture, pressing gently.
  7. Sprinkle the lemon herb panko crust evenly over the top and drizzle with a little more olive oil.
  8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the crust is golden and potatoes are tender.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Caramelize onions slowly over low heat for best sweetness. Use fresh lemon zest for brightness, not lemon juice. Let casserole rest before slicing for cleaner cuts. If crust browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Thin potato slices ensure even cooking. Can substitute almond flour for panko for gluten-free crust and vegan butter for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef casserole, lemon herb crust, crispy casserole, layered casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, savory casserole

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-lemon-herb-crusted-beef-casserole-easy-savory-layered-recipe/