Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a home-cooked hug of a meal, combining comforting ingredients into a dish that warms the soul. It’s that perfect weeknight dinner or weekend family feast where all you need is one casserole dish, a handful of ingredients, and a warm oven. I remember the first time I whipped this up; the aroma wafted through my kitchen and drew everyone together like moths to a flame. What makes this dish truly special is not just its incredible taste but its simplicity.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This casserole is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. It’s budget-friendly, loaded with hearty ingredients, and most importantly, it’s a hit with the whole family—even those picky eaters! The layering of creamy, cheesy goodness with tender potatoes and savory ground beef creates a satisfying meal that you can throw together in no time.

“This casserole is a lifesaver! It’s quick to prepare, and my kids love it. It’s become a staple in our household.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making this Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is easier than you might think. It involves a simple process of sautéing, mixing, and baking. Before diving into the ingredients, let’s outline what you’ll need to do.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Start with the potatoes—peel and dice them.
Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant.
Brown the ground beef and add seasonings.
Combine everything and bake for a delightful meal!

What You’ll Need

To create this delicious 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

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or swap out the cheddar for your favorite cheese!

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Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small, even cubes.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes fragrant and translucent.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as needed.
Pour in the beef broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together. Remove the skillet from 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 coated.
Transfer the combined mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Best Way to Serve

The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility. Serve it with a fresh salad for a light touch or crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with steamed green beans or a seasonal vegetable medley. A dollop of extra sour cream on top can also elevate the flavor!

Storage Tips

To keep your Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole fresh, follow these storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it well with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Pro Chef Tips

Cut Uniformly: Ensure your potatoes are cut into even cubes for consistent cooking.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Properly seasoning each layer enhances the overall flavor.
Try Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for an added kick.

Creative Twists

If you’re eager to spice things up, consider these variations:

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for a spicy twist.
Vegetable Boost: Mix in some steamed broccoli or spinach to sneak in extra veggies.
Herb Infusion: Try using fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this casserole take to prepare?

The preparation and cooking time for Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is about an hour, making it a quick yet hearty meal.

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a leaner option.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the potatoes are tender. You can check by inserting a fork into the potatoes.

Is it safe to freeze leftovers?

Yes! Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container and consume it within three months for the best quality.

Feel free to turn to this Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole whenever you need a comforting, easy meal that brings the family together!

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Description

A comforting and hearty casserole combining ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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 russet potatoes into small, even cubes.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes fragrant and translucent.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as needed.
Pour in the beef broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together. Remove the skillet from 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 coated.
Transfer the combined mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Notes

This casserole is flexible; feel free to add spices, substitute meats, or mix in veggies like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, potatoes, family meal, comfort food