Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
A warm and comforting Ground Beef and Potato Casserole combining hearty ground beef with tender potatoes, layered with cheese and cream for a rich, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for quick dinners and family gatherings. This versatile casserole is easy to prepare, customizable, and pleasing to all ages.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for sautéing)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or mixed herbs (optional)
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes to about 1/4 inch thickness to ensure even cooking and tender layers. Optionally, parboil the slices briefly to speed up baking time and ensure softness.
- Brown the Ground Beef and Onions: Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until fully browned without any pink remaining. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika or herbs if using. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Start by laying down an even layer of sliced potatoes, then add a layer of the cooked ground beef and onions mixture. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the beef. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a generous cheese topping to ensure a gooey, golden crust.
- Add Cream or Milk: Pour milk or cream evenly over all the layers in the casserole dish. This helps bind the ingredients together and adds a smooth, creamy texture to the final dish.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Notes
- Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Drain any excess fat from the ground beef after browning to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when browning the meat to achieve the best texture and flavor; brown in batches if necessary.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
- Use a sharp knife when slicing the finished casserole for clean, well-formed portions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: ground beef casserole, potato casserole, comfort food, family dinner, one dish meal, easy casserole, gluten free casserole