Scalloped Potato Roll with Ground Beef, Spinach, and Cheese Recipe

If you are looking for a comforting yet impressive dish to serve family or friends, the Scalloped Potato Roll with Ground Beef, Spinach, and Cheese Recipe is a complete winner. This recipe combines tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked to golden perfection with a savory filling of rich ground beef, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses, all rolled together into a beautiful, savory log. Each bite offers layers of texture and flavor that feel both hearty and fresh, making it ideal for a cozy dinner or special occasion. It’s a dish that brings warmth to the table and will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, approachable, and each plays a crucial role in building the rich flavors and inviting textures of this dish. From the starchiness of the potatoes and savory depth of the ground beef to the fresh earthiness of spinach and creamy cheeses, every component counts.

• Potatoes (6, peeled): Thinly sliced to create the tender, scalloped base of the roll.
• Parmesan cheese (2 cups, grated, divided): Adds a salty, nutty crispness to the potato layers.
• Salt (3 teaspoons, divided): Enhances all the flavors perfectly in stages.
• Olive oil (4 tablespoons, divided): Used to cook fillings and keep everything moist and rich.
• Sweet onion (1, diced): Brings a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully with the beef.
• Ground beef (1 lb): The hearty, savory protein center of the roll.
• Diced tomatoes (1 can, drained): Adds a touch of acidity and juiciness to balance the richness.
• Fresh parsley (4 tablespoons, chopped, divided): Offers a fresh herbal brightness in the filling and as garnish.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides just the right hint of smokiness and warmth.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to round out the flavors.
• Spinach (6 cups): Gives a lovely green freshness and soft texture inside the roll.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the spinach mixture with aromatic depth.
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Creates a creamy, mild layer that balances the savory beef.
• Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts perfectly over the beef and spinach for gooey goodness.

How to Make Scalloped Potato Roll with Ground Beef, Spinach, and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350˚F (180˚C), which is the perfect temperature to gently crisp the potato layers and melt the cheeses without drying them out.

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the peeled potatoes into very thin ⅛-inch (3 mm) slices. Thin slices ensure the potatoes bake evenly and become tender enough to roll without cracking.

Step 3: Prepare the Potato Base

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese all over it. Arrange the potato slices on top, overlapping both vertically and horizontally to form a solid sheet. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and season with 1 teaspoon of salt. Bake this potato “canvas” for 30 minutes until it looks golden and slightly crispy at the edges.

Step 4: Cook the Beef Filling

While your potato base is baking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it slowly, allowing it to caramelize over about 15 minutes. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up as you cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Let these flavors meld for a few minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Spinach Mixture

In another skillet, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts down, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and the minced garlic, stirring well. Remove from heat and combine the cooked spinach with the ricotta cheese in a bowl, mixing to create a creamy, flavorful filling.

Step 6: Assemble the Potato Roll

Once your potato sheet has baked and cooled slightly, spread the spinach and ricotta mixture evenly over its surface. Next, layer the savory beef mixture on top, and finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Roll the Potato Sheet

Using the parchment paper beneath, carefully roll the potato and filling into a tight log. Take your time to keep all those delicious layers inside to prevent escaping fillings.

Step 8: Bake the Potato Roll

Transfer the rolled potato back onto the baking sheet and bake it for an additional 15 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt fully and the flavors to mingle beautifully.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the roll with the remaining chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Slice and serve immediately while warm and gooey.

How to Serve Scalloped Potato Roll with Ground Beef, Spinach, and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try fresh basil leaves or a dusting of paprika to add a splash of color and extra aroma. A drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream can also elevate the presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

This rich and filling roll pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables. Roasted carrots or a bright tomato and cucumber salad can bring freshness to balance the hearty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the roll into individual servings and arrange them like pinwheels on a large platter for a stunning appetizer or party dish. You can also serve smaller rolls as elegant finger foods or even re-imagine it as a layered casserole in a baking dish for family-style comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner with minimal effort.

Freezing

You can freeze the potato roll before baking the final 15 minutes. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350˚F oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the potatoes tender and the cheese perfectly melty without drying out the roll.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella create a perfect balance in this dish, you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even feta for different flavor profiles.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and increase the amount of spinach or add mushrooms or lentils to keep the filling hearty and satisfying.

How thin should the potato slices be?

The ideal thickness is about ⅛-inch (3 mm). Thin slices bake evenly and become tender enough to roll without breaking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the potato base and fillings separately in advance, then assemble just before baking for fresher results.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A bold red, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, complements the rich meat and cheesy flavors beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving the Scalloped Potato Roll with Ground Beef, Spinach, and Cheese Recipe a try. It’s a dish that feels like a warm embrace—comforting, flavorful, and impressive all at once. Once you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself craving this cozy, delicious roll again and again, perfect for gathering loved ones and savoring every bite.

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