Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s simple to prepare yet full of satisfying flavors.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened.
4. Step 4: 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.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and stir well, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
6. Step 6: 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.
7. Step 7: Transfer the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
8. Step 8: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.
10. Step 10: Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture, use cream cheese instead of sour cream or add a splash of milk.
• Try adding vegetables like peas or diced carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Sprinkle some paprika or chili flakes on top before baking for a bit of extra spice.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain moisture and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to add the cheese topping right before baking for the best melt and browning.

Are the potatoes fully cooked before baking?

No, the diced potatoes will cook during the baking time. Cutting them into small, even cubes helps ensure they become tender by the time the casserole is finished.

Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 63 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole featuring tender diced potatoes, savory ground beef cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, rich sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Vegetables

• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

Dairy

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup sour cream

Liquids

• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Peel the russet potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes for uniform cooking. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves to release their flavor.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook while breaking up the meat until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together. Then remove the skillet from heat.
6. Combine with Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well incorporated.
7. Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the potatoes through and meld the flavors.
9. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
10. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the dish set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add chopped fresh parsley or chives as a garnish before serving.
• Use a fork to check potato tenderness before removing the casserole from the oven; potatoes should be soft and fully cooked.
• This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake covered as directed, adding extra baking time if needed when starting from cold.
• Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy taste.
• Make sure to cover the dish with foil while baking to prevent the potatoes from drying out.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: ground beef casserole, potato casserole, cheesy beef bake, comfort food, easy dinner recipe