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If you’ve been searching for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender, creamy potatoes layered with savory ground beef, all topped off with melted, golden cheddar cheese. The flavors come together effortlessly, making it a go-to family favorite that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving something filling and delicious, this casserole delivers on every level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe comes together beautifully with straightforward ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness that make the dish so irresistible.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that brings savory depth and hearty texture to the casserole.
- 4 cups thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: These potatoes give a creamy bite and hold their shape well during baking.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and enhances the overall balance of flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a gentle punch of aroma and complexity.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy crust on top.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup: Provides creamy moisture, binding everything together in a silky sauce.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the soup mixture to perfect consistency for layering.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors in every ingredient.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and a touch of spice without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Offers a fresh, vibrant note to finish the dish.
How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly when it’s done. Having your space ready lets you focus on the delicious layers ahead.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and starting to get that mouthwatering aroma. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and release their flavors. Season everything with salt and pepper to make sure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Soup Mixture
Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup with the milk until smooth and creamy. This mixture will soak into the potatoes and beef, marrying all the layers with a velvety texture that holds everything together beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Now the fun part begins! In your greased baking dish, start by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly. Then spread half of the browned beef and onion mixture on top. Follow with half of the creamy soup mixture, spreading it gently. Repeat these same layers once more to build those delicious, hearty layers.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover your casserole with foil to keep the moisture inside and bake it for 60 minutes. This slow baking lets the potatoes soften just right and all those flavors meld into one unforgettable dish.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown. This cheesy crown is the perfect finishing touch.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your casserole rest for 10 minutes. This step helps it set slightly so it’s easier to cut into neat portions, and the flavors continue to deepen. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if you like a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives is all you need to brighten this rich dish visually and flavor-wise. A dollop of sour cream on the side can also complement the creamy textures wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli adds freshness and balance to the meal, rounding out your plate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress this comforting classic up for company, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or layered glass dishes so everyone can enjoy the beautiful strata of potatoes, beef, and cheese. Garnish creatively with herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. This makes it great for quick weekday lunches or dinners with minimal fuss.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully either baked or unbaked. To freeze before baking, assemble as usual, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed. For freezing after baking, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes, to maintain that fresh-from-the-oven texture. For quicker reheating, microwave individual servings, but the oven is best for keeping the cheese bubbly and the potatoes tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp gouda to change up the flavor profile while still maintaining that melty, golden crust.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and develop a lovely creamy texture after baking. Waxy potatoes like red potatoes might get a bit too firm or not soften evenly in this layered casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a few hours or even a day before baking. Just cover tightly with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit before putting it in the oven for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. Make sure to use a vegetarian-friendly cream of mushroom soup to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
How do I make the casserole less creamy or rich?
To reduce the richness, you can swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a lighter cream soup or use low-fat milk. Reducing the cheese slightly or mixing it with a sharper, lower-fat cheese can also tone down the heaviness without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe that keeps family and friends coming back for seconds. Its layers of flavor, cheesy goodness, and effortless assembly make it the perfect dish for any night of the week. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new all-time favorite comfort food.
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Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Ground Beef Potato Casserole featuring layers of tender sliced potatoes, savory browned ground beef with onions and garlic, and a creamy mushroom soup sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, this casserole makes an easy and satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Canned Goods
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are softened and fragrant. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the can of cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- First Layer Assembly: In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, then pour half of the soup mixture on top to coat the layer.
- Second Layer Assembly: Repeat the layering process with the remaining sliced potatoes, ground beef mixture, and soup mixture, creating a second stacked layer in the dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the dish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the casserole to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture, or Russet potatoes for a fluffier bite.
- If you prefer, substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of chicken for a varied flavor.
- Make sure to slice potatoes uniformly thin to ensure even cooking.
- The casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated, then baked the next day (add extra baking time if baked cold).
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
