Ground Beef Potato Casserole: A Comforting Classic Perfect for Any Meal

Are you searching for a hearty meal that satisfies both meat lovers and potato enthusiasts alike? What if you could create a dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef with the comforting taste of potatoes in under 90 minutes? Introducing the Ground Beef Potato Casserole—a dish that’s both filling and flavorful, challenging the notion that comfort food requires hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients List

Creating a Ground Beef Potato Casserole is all about choosing the right ingredients to ensure a balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 pounds ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and maintain a rich flavor.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory base to the casserole.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant depth of flavor.
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: These starchy potatoes hold their shape well and give a creamy texture.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: A sharp cheddar offers a robust flavor that melts beautifully.
• 1 ½ cups milk: Creates a creamy sauce that binds the ingredients.
• 3 tablespoons butter, cubed: Adds richness and helps with browning.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a smoky, sweet undertone.

Substitution Suggestions: Consider swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack or adding a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. Use sweet potatoes for a unique twist or Greek yogurt instead of some milk for a tangy flavor.

Timing

One of the highlights of this Ground Beef Potato Casserole is its efficiency. You can have this comforting dish ready in just 90 minutes, a full 20% less time than many traditional casseroles.

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 70 minutes
• Total Time: 90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Skillet

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. This step ensures that the beef is cooked thoroughly and ready to infuse the casserole with its rich flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika for a flavorful base. Drain excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandolin or sharp knife. Keeping the slices uniform ensures even cooking and a perfect texture in every bite.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Add half of the beef mixture. Repeat layers once more. This layering technique evenly distributes flavors throughout the dish.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top of the layered mixture. The cheese will melt into a gooey, golden topping.

Step 6: Pour the Milk and Dot with Butter

Pour milk evenly over the entire casserole and dot the top with cubes of butter. This step creates a creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the dish with foil to trap moisture and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbling. This dual-phase baking ensures a perfectly cooked, crispy top.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting time allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional value of your Ground Beef Potato Casserole can help you enjoy it responsibly. Here’s a breakdown:

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fat: 22 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For those seeking a healthier version of this casserole, consider these modifications:

• Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner protein option.
• Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbs.
• Substitute low-fat cheese and milk for their full-fat counterparts.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your Ground Beef Potato Casserole with these serving ideas:

• Pair with a crisp green salad to add freshness and balance.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
• Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly:

• Overcooking the Beef: Keep an eye on the beef as it browns, as overcooking can lead to dryness.
• Uneven Potato Slices: Use a mandolin for uniform slices, ensuring even cooking.
• Skipping the Rest Period: Allow the casserole to rest to set properly and enhance flavors.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Here are some practical storage tips for your Ground Beef Potato Casserole:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Consider freezing individual portions for easy reheating. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain texture.

Conclusion

The Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a timeless comfort dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any crowd. Try this recipe today, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipe updates!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have cheddar cheese? A: Monterey Jack or mozzarella are great alternatives that melt well.

Q: Can this recipe be made dairy-free? A: Substitute dairy-free cheese and use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

Q: How can I add more vegetables to this dish? A: Consider adding layers of spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Ground Beef Potato Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1.5 cups milk
• 3 tablespoons butter, cubed
• 1 cucchiaino salt
• 1 cucchiaino black pepper
• 1 cucchiaino paprika

Equipment

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish
• Mandolin

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cook until soft. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain excess fat.
3. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes using a mandolin or sharp knife. Keep slices as uniform as possible for even cooking.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Add half of the beef mixture. Repeat layers once more.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top of the layered mixture.
6. Pour milk evenly over the entire casserole and dot the top with cubes of butter.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
8. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking.