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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
