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Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: ground beef casserole, potato casserole, comfort food, family dinner, one dish meal, easy casserole, gluten free casserole