Budget-Friendly Potato & Ground Beef Gratin

🍳 3. Prepare the beef filling

Finely chop the onion.

Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onion for 2 minutes until soft.

Add the ground beef, season with salt & pepper, and cook until browned.

🥘 4. Assemble the gratin

In a baking dish, spread the cooked beef mixture as the base.

Cover with the mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.

Sprinkle with grated cheese 🧀 on top.

🔥 5. Bake

Place in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

🍽️ 6. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley 🌿 and serve piping hot! 😋

💡 Extra Tips & Variations

✨ Time-saving hack: Use pre-cooked vacuum-packed potatoes (steam potatoes) to cut down on prep time.

🔄 Ingredient swaps:

Replace beef with chicken or turkey mince 🍗.

For a vegetarian version, use lentils or soy mince 🌱.

🔥 Cooking tip: For an extra crispy top, put the gratin under the broiler/grill for 2 minutes at the end of cooking.

🌟 Serving Ideas

Serve with a fresh green salad 🥗 for balance.

Pair with a glass of red wine 🍷 or sparkling water for a light meal.

Add a pinch of nutmeg to the mashed potatoes for a warm, aromatic touch ✨.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Budget-friendly → less than €3 for 2 people!
✅ Comforting → creamy potatoes, juicy beef, and melty cheese.
✅ Quick & easy → ready in under an hour.
✅ Versatile → works with many proteins or even vegetarian swaps.

👉 This potato & beef gratin is truly a lifesaver for busy days and tight budgets. A simple dish that feels homemade, hearty, and full of love 💕.

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