A hearty and flavorful casserole combining seasoned beef, roasted potatoes, and melted cheese.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy potatoes.
Peel the potatoes if desired, and cut them into wedges or large chunks.
Cutting the potatoes uniformly helps them cook evenly.
Rinse the potato pieces under cold water to remove excess starch.
Removing starch prevents the potatoes from sticking together.
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with dried minced onion and olive oil until well coated.
Ensure all pieces are evenly coated for consistent flavor.
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking pan.
A single layer ensures even roasting.
Roast the potatoes in the oven for 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through.
Turning the potatoes helps them brown evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Heating the oil prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
Stir constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned.
Breaking up the beef ensures even cooking and smaller pieces.
Stir in oregano, cilantro, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Adding spices at this stage enhances their flavor.
Mix in the black beans and tomato sauce, and cook until heated through.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stir in one-third of the shredded cheese until melted, then remove from heat.
Melting the cheese into the mixture adds creaminess.
Once the potatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven.
Ensure the potatoes are golden and crispy.
Spoon the beef mixture over the roasted potatoes in the baking pan.
Spread the mixture evenly for consistent flavor.
Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Covering the top with cheese creates a delicious crust.
Return the pan to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-10 minutes.
Keep an eye on the cheese to prevent over-browning.
Serve the casserole warm and enjoy!
Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
