- Brown the Meat: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it into smaller pieces, and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Layer the Casserole: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the seasoned meat mixture and sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese over it. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese crust.
- Serve and Enjoy! Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing into generous portions. Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Optional Ingredient Substitutions
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with tofu or lentils.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or Gouda for a unique flavor profile.
- Add a kick of heat by incorporating chili flakes or jalapeños for a spicy twist.