Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. This recipe combines tender ground beef with creamy potatoes and melted cheese, creating a delicious meal that the whole family will love. It’s simple to make and perfect for those busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Why make this recipe
This casserole is not only tasty, but it’s also a great way to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a nourishing meal that’s both filling and satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward! Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is perfect for leftovers too, providing an easy lunch or dinner option the next day.
How to prepare Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked.
- Pour in beef broth and stir well, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well incorporated.
- Transfer the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.
- Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
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How to serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
Serve this casserole warm right out of the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Don’t forget to offer extra cheese on the side for those who love a really cheesy bite!
How to store Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole perfectly
- Make sure to dice the potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- For an extra creamy texture, try adding more sour cream or cream cheese.
- You can use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for variation.
- If you like a bit of crunch, add some breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Variations
You can easily customize this casserole by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even frozen peas for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the ground beef mixture.
FAQ
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
Q: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A: This dish is gluten-free as long as you ensure that your beef broth and any other packaged ingredients do not contain gluten.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: N/A
Description
A hearty and comforting dish combining ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook until browned.
- Pour in beef broth and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in sour cream and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to a baking dish, spreading evenly, and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra creamy texture, add more sour cream or cream cheese. Customize with different types of cheese or add vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American