Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a simple, hearty, and comforting dish combining savory ground beef with tender golden potatoes. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners, offering a balanced meal with protein, starch, and seasoning in every bite.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- 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
- 4–5 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
- 1 cup beef broth or stock
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- Optional: ½ cup milk or cream (for creamy sauce)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme or parsley (or fresh equivalent)
- Prepare the ingredients: Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Having all ingredients prepped before cooking will streamline the process.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season and add broth: Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme or parsley. Pour in the beef broth to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a baking dish. Arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom, followed by a layer of the beef mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Use thin, even slices of potatoes for uniform cooking and tender texture.
- Browning the beef and sautéing aromatics builds essential flavor layers.
- Adding broth prevents the casserole from drying out while baking.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set for easy slicing.
- For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with butter on top before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of casserole)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: ground beef casserole, potatoes casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, hearty casserole, weeknight dinner