This ground beef and potatoes casserole is comfort food at its finest—hearty, filling, and packed with savory flavors. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s a perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, and the best part? It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Hearty and filling, making it perfect for a family meal
- Cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor
- Simple, affordable ingredients that come together effortlessly
- Versatile—can be served with a side salad or veggies
Ingredients
This casserole is made with just a few staple ingredients that create a comforting dish:
- Ground beef, browned and seasoned with garlic, onion, and spices
- Potatoes, thinly sliced for a tender, soft texture
- Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) for a melty, gooey topping
- Cream of mushroom soup or a homemade creamy sauce for richness
- Milk to help create a smooth and creamy consistency
- Salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you like (such as thyme or parsley)
You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements below.
Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy.
Layer the Casserole
In a greased baking dish, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Next, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Top with half of the cheese. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining beef and cheese.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the casserole layers, making sure it covers everything.
Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to get golden and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is finished baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired, and enjoy this comforting dish with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the layers of cheese
- You can use frozen hashbrowns or pre-cooked potatoes if you’re short on time
- If you want a lighter version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey
- Add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra veggies
- Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set up before serving
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist
- Replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce
- Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with:
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the creamy sauce
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
This casserole also freezes well—let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in the casserole?
Yes! You can add or swap in vegetables like carrots, peas, or even corn for a more colorful dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge overnight, then bake it the next day.
Is this casserole spicy?
No, this recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add a bit of chili powder or red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also use mozzarella, gouda, or even a blend of your favorites.
Conclusion
This delicious ground beef and potatoes casserole is the ultimate comfort food—simple, filling, and full of savory goodness. It’s a great way to feed a hungry family, and the leftovers are just as tasty. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or at a casual weekend dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit!
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Savory Ground Beef & Potato Casserole: A Comforting, Hearty Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (adjusted to 10 servings) 1x
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender ground beef, layered with thinly sliced potatoes and baked to perfection in a rich, creamy sauce. This easy casserole is a family favorite, combining hearty flavors into one delicious, filling meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for flavor and color)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom.
- Top with the cooked ground beef mixture and spread it out evenly.
- Pour the sour cream sauce over the beef and potatoes, spreading it out to cover everything.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier casserole, you can add a bit more sour cream or cheese.
- You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake for an extra 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.
- For extra flavor, add a layer of vegetables like peas or carrots.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of the casserole
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
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