Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole — Simple Family Favorite

introduction

Since I was very young, cooking has always held a special place in my life. My name is Adam, and it was alongside my mother that I discovered the magic of flavors and homemade dishes. Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that brings people together.

This casserole layers seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and creamy cheese. Many home cooks search for Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole because it feels simple and satisfying. In this article you will learn what this casserole is, why it works, and how to make it step by step. If you enjoy hearty beef recipes, you might also like this collection of beef and pork recipes for more dinner ideas.

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Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

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• Author: issam-blogger
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting casserole that layers seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and creamy cheese. Perfect for family dinners and potlucks.

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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

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Instructions

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

Notes

For best results, cut the potato cubes no larger than 1/2 inch to ensure they cook through in the given time. You can substitute half of the cheddar cheese with a sharper cheese for richer flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

why make this recipe

You should make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole because it tastes like a warm hug. It combines savory beef, soft potatoes, and melted cheese. The recipe uses easy ingredients that most people already have. It cooks in one dish. That means fewer dishes to wash. It also feeds a family and makes good leftovers. This casserole fits busy weeknights, casual potlucks, and simple Sunday dinners.

Home cooks who want comfort food without fuss will like this dish. Common concerns include timing and seasoning. This recipe addresses those concerns by using clear steps and reliable measurements. You can also swap ingredients to fit diets and tastes. The dish stays flexible. Make it when you need an affordable, filling meal that still feels special.

how to make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Start by prepping all ingredients. Cut the potatoes into small, even cubes. This step helps them cook through evenly. Sauté the onion and garlic first. That releases their flavor. Then add the ground beef and break it up as it browns. Season early so the meat absorbs the herbs. Pour in beef broth to add moisture and deepen flavor. Simmer briefly to meld the flavors. Toss the cooked beef with the raw potato cubes, sour cream, and half the cheese. This coats the potatoes and helps the casserole set.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil for the first part of baking. This traps steam and helps the potatoes soften. Remove the foil near the end to brown the top. Let the casserole rest ten minutes after baking. Resting firms the layers so you get clean slices.

Key techniques include cutting the potatoes small, browning the beef well, and covering the dish for the initial bake. Timing matters. If the potatoes are too large, they will remain undercooked. If the beef is not drained or cooked through, the casserole can become greasy or uneven. Avoid over-mixing once you add the sour cream; you want the potatoes to hold some texture. For a richer top, swap half the cheddar for a sharper cheese. For inspiration on pairing starchy sides, check a different take on cheesy potatoes with smoked sausage in this cheesy potatoes recipe.

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

Each ingredient plays a clear role. The ground beef provides protein and savory depth. Russet potatoes give a fluffy interior and hold up well while baking. Onion and garlic build the flavor base. Sour cream adds creaminess and helps bind the mixture. Beef broth adds moisture and a beefy note. Cheese melts into a rich topping.

If you must swap ingredients, use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream in equal amounts for a tangy lift. Use low-sodium broth if you watch salt. Choose freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor. Good olive oil and fresh garlic make a noticeable difference. Quality matters but you can still make a very good casserole with modest pantry staples.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened.

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.

Pour in beef broth and stir well, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.

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.

Transfer the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.

Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

For best results, make sure the potato cubes are no larger than 1/2 inch. This size cooks through in the given time. If you use a deeper dish, add 5 to 10 extra minutes. If your oven runs hot, check earlier to avoid over-browning. Let the casserole rest so it sets and slices cleanly.

how to serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Serve this casserole warm and cut into squares. A crisp green salad and bright vinaigrette balance the dish’s richness. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli add color and nutrients. For extra comfort, serve with warm dinner rolls or a crusty bread, similar in spirit to a simple bread bowl sandwich idea. Top each portion with a spoonful of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The casserole offers a mix of soft potato bites and savory beef, with melted cheese on top. That contrast of creamy interior and slightly crisp topping makes every bite satisfying. It works well for family dinners and potlucks.

how to store Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. To freeze, wrap portions tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, place a portion in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also reheat in a microwave on medium power, stirring halfway for even heat. If frozen, reheat from thawed in the oven to retain texture. Do not leave the casserole at room temperature for more than two hours to avoid food safety risks.

tips to make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Brown the meat well and season it early. This builds flavor. Cut the potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking. Use a light hand when mixing in the sour cream so the potatoes keep some texture. Cover the dish for the initial bake to steam the potatoes. Remove the cover late in baking to brown the cheese. Taste and adjust salt at the end; the cheese and broth can change the final seasoning. For a less greasy result, drain excess fat after browning the beef. Choose a baking dish with room for even heat circulation. If you want a crispier top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end while watching closely.

variation (if any)

• Vegetarian version: Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add extra herbs like rosemary.
• Spicy kick: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onion. Use pepper jack cheese for melt and heat.
• Cheesy deluxe: Mix in 1/2 cup mozzarella with the cheddar for a stretchier top. Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for a nutty finish.
• One-pot stove-top: Par-cook the potato cubes in the skillet with the beef and broth until just tender. Finish with cheese and serve without oven baking for a quicker meal.
• Creamy mushroom: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy layer. Mushrooms pair well with thyme and beef.

These options let you tailor the casserole to different diets and tastes without changing the core method.

FAQs

Conclusion

If you want extra recipe ideas or alternate takes on this dish, check resources like Ground Beef and Potato Casserole – Immaculate Bites for a different style of preparation, Ground Beef Potato Casserole – Ovenspiration for creative twists, and Ground Beef Potato Casserole (Easy + Cheesy) – Real Food Whole … for a creamy, cheesy approach.