Broccoli Beef & Potato Hotdish

Prep Time:30 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4 minutes

This easy casserole, full of ground beef and roasted broccoli and topped with hash browns, was inspired by the classic Minnesota Tater Tot Hotdish. Roasting the broccoli before adding it to the casserole gives the whole dish a much more complex and exciting flavor, but it’s by no means necessary. If you want to keep it simple, skip roasting the broccoli (Step 2) and use 6 cups thawed frozen broccoli in its place (omit 1 tablespoon oil, as well).

Ingredients:
  • 1½ pounds broccoli, cut into 1-inch florets (about 6 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or avocado, divided
  • 1½ pounds 95%-lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
  • 1¼ teaspoons salt, divided
  • 4 cups low-fat milk
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 4 cups frozen hash-brown or precooked shredded potatoes
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • cooking spray
  • ¼ teaspoon hungarian paprika, preferably hot
Directions:
  1. Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 450℉.
  2. Toss broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon oil in a large bowl. Spread out on a large rimmed baking sheet; roast, stirring once, until just tender and browned in spots, about 15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1½ pounds beef, chopped onion and minced garlic; cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons Worcestershire, 2 tablespoons parsley and ¼ teaspoon salt.
  4. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1½ pounds beef, chopped onion and minced garlic; cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons Worcestershire, 2 tablespoons parsley and ¼ teaspoon salt.
  5. Spread the beef mixture in a 9-by-13-inch (or similar 3-quart) broiler-safe baking dish. Top with the broccoli and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
  6. Combine 4 cups frozen potatoes, beaten egg, ½ teaspoon pepper and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Coat the top with cooking spray.
  7. Bake the casserole until it is bubbling and the potatoes are beginning to brown, about 30 minutes. Without removing the dish, increase oven temperature to broil. Broil until the top is browned and the potatoes are crisp, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon paprika. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired.