Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a classic comfort dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. With hearty layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, this casserole not only delights the taste buds but is also a breeze to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 400
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Why Make This Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Ground Beef Potato Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience rich in flavors and textures that evoke feelings of home. With the wonderfully savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese nestled between layers of soft potatoes, each bite is comforting and satisfying. It’s an excellent dish for feeding a crowd, and it can easily be customized to suit different tastes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a potluck dish, this casserole has garnered affection from families everywhere for its deliciousness and simplicity.
How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for baking your delicious casserole.
Step 2: Sautéing
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned. This will take about 5–7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat afterward to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Mixing
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
Step 4: Layering
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the beef mixture, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers for the second half.
Step 5: Pouring
Pour the soup mixture over the top layer of the casserole, ensuring that it seeps into all the layers to create a luscious texture.
Step 6: Covering and Baking
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This will allow the potatoes to soften and absorb the flavors.
Step 7: Finishing
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
How to Serve Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Serve this hearty casserole hot from the oven, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce.
How to Store Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months; simply reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Potato Casserole
- For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms in the beef mixture.
- Swap out the cheddar cheese for Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for a few minutes after removing the foil, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or extra mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of soup.
- Cheesy goodness: Add an extra layer of cheese between the potato layers for a super cheesy casserole.
- Spicy kick: Incorporate jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for some heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then bake it just before serving.
2. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce for a lighter option.
3. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden.
4. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes! Frozen sliced potatoes can be used; just keep an eye on the cooking time as they may require a bit longer to become tender.
5. What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs nicely with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Its layers of savory ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheese create a symphony of flavors that everyone will love. Whether you are making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and enjoy the heartwarming experience of making and sharing this delicious casserole!
Print
Ground Beef Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A classic comfort dish featuring hearty layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, half of the beef mixture, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the second half.
- Pour the soup mixture over the top layer of the casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbling.
Notes
Serves well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For storage, cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
