Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole has a special place in my heart as a hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the comforting flavors of beef and potatoes makes it a winning option for families and gatherings alike. I remember the first time I shared this casserole with friends; their delighted reactions left me wanting to share this dish with everyone. This recipe is not just about feeding the belly; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table.

Reasons to try it

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole stands out for several reasons. First off, it’s budget-friendly, packing a nutritious punch without breaking the bank. With simple, wholesome ingredients, you can whip this dish up in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet uncomplicated. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, pleasing even the pickiest of eaters.

“An absolute delight! The creamy texture combined with the flavorful beef makes this my go-to comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, and my kids clean their plates every time!” – Sarah T.

Preparing Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Creating this casserole is a straightforward process that will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas. You’ll start by sautéing onions and garlic to build a flavor base. Next, the ground beef is cooked until brown, allowing those seasonings to absorb into the meat. Finally, potatoes mixed with a creamy sauce complete this comforting dish. Grab your baking dish—let’s get to cooking!

What you’ll need

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need 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 lower fat or use non-dairy yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter twist!

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Begin by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into small, even cubes.
3. Chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened.
5. Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook while breaking up the meat until it’s browned and fully cooked.
6. Pour in the beef broth and stir well, letting it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Gently fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well incorporated.
8. Transfer the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
9. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving to ensure optimal texture.

Best ways to enjoy it

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your meal further. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad to add a refreshing crunch, or pair it with steamed broccoli for a colorful plate. If you want to bring in some zest, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can brighten each bite.

Storage and reheating tips

Storing leftovers is simple. Let your casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Helpful cooking tips

For an even creamier texture, consider blending the sour cream with some cream cheese before folding it into your beef mixture. Also, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the dish’s flavor profile beautifully. If you want to sneak in more veggies, diced carrots or peas can be added for a nutritional boost.

Creative twists

Feel free to switch things up! Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You could also experiment with different cheeses—think pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey finish. If you’re craving some extra crunch, consider topping it with crispy fried onions for a textural surprise.

Common questions

How long does it take to prepare this casserole?

The entire process, from prep to baking, takes around 1 hour, with a hands-on time of about 30 minutes.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will lend a different flavor and sweetness, making the dish a bit more nutritious.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is ready when the cheese on top is melted and bubbling, and a fork easily pierces the potatoes. Letting it rest for 10 minutes will help to set the layers.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

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A hearty and comforting casserole featuring ground beef, creamy sauce, and tender potatoes, perfect for family dinners.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Comfort Food

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into small, even cubes.
3. Chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened.
5. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned and fully cooked.
6. Pour in the beef broth, stir well, and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat.
7. 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.
8. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
9. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
11. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add veggies like carrots or peas for extra nutrition. For a creamier texture, blend sour cream with cream cheese.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg