Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that comes together easily, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re entertaining friends and family. As the rich aroma fills your kitchen while this casserole bakes, you know you’re about to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This casserole isn’t just delicious; it’s also a fantastic option for families looking to enjoy a nutritious meal without breaking the bank. Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is budget-friendly and uses basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, especially among kids! The combination of tender potatoes, savory beef, and gooey cheese creates an irresistible dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
"Finally found a recipe that my picky eaters actually love! The kids couldn’t stop asking for seconds!" – Satisfied Home Cook
Step-by-Step Overview
Making Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a straightforward process that anyone can master. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to be baked to perfection. A quick rundown of the process includes sautéing the vegetables and beef, mixing everything together with creamy goodness, layering it in a baking dish, and letting the oven work its magic. Here’s how to make it happen.
What You’ll Need
To create this mouthwatering casserole, gather the following 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
These easy-to-find ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also deeply satisfying. If you’re in need of some substitutions, you can easily swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite type or even use a dairy-free version of sour cream for a different twist.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Begin by peeling the potatoes and dicing them into uniform cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves for the best flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are fragrant and softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned and cooked through.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir well, allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- 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.
- Transfer the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Allow the casserole to rest for approximately 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is versatile and can be served in various ways. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables to add a pop of color and nutrition. It’s also wonderful with a side of garlic bread to soak up any cheesy goodness left on your plate.
How to Store & Freeze
After enjoying your casserole, you may have leftovers, which is great! To keep them fresh, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Just allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and enjoy it like new!
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure the best results with your casserole, here are a few pro tips:
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: This ensures that they cook uniformly. Aim for uniform sizes to guarantee that all pieces cook at the same rate.
- Brown the Beef Well: A good browning develops rich, deep flavors. Take your time with this step!
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps set the layers and makes serving much easier.
Creative Twists
Want to switch it up? Here are a few ideas for variations:
- Vegetable Add-ins: Sneak in some diced bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheesy blends or add a sprinkle of blue cheese for a gourmet touch.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare this casserole?
Preparation typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your chopping skills.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or even a mix of beans for a vegetarian option would work beautifully.
With all these insights, your Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is sure to be a hit! Enjoy the deliciousness and the smiles it brings to your table.
Print
Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting casserole combining ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
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 your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook until browned.
- Pour in the beef broth, stir, and let simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in the sour cream and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For variations, consider adding diced bell peppers or using ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg