Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
6. Step 6: 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 until well incorporated.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
8. Step 8: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.
10. Step 10: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra creamy texture, try mixing in a bit of cream cheese with the sour cream.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauté for more vegetable flavor.
• Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a subtle smoky taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Freshly peeled and diced potatoes work best for this casserole to ensure even cooking and the right texture. Frozen potatoes may release excess moisture and affect the dish’s consistency.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it when ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 138 reviews

This hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole combines tender diced potatoes with savory browned ground beef seasoned with herbs and spices, all layered with creamy sour cream and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, this comforting casserole is a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s flavorful, filling, and easy to prepare.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Dairy

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup sour cream

Vegetables

• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Oils

• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small, even cubes. Chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves carefully to ensure they release their flavors during cooking.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and softened, which helps build depth of flavor.
4. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook the meat thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and fully cooked through.
5. Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together, then remove the skillet from heat.
6. Combine with Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is well incorporated and creamy.
7. Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Covering prevents the casserole from drying out.
9. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
10. Rest and Serve: Once baking is complete, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the dish set for better texture and easier serving.

Notes

• Be sure to dice the potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• You can substitute the cheddar cheese with any cheese of your preference for different flavor profiles.
• For a lower fat option, use lean ground beef and reduced-fat sour cream.
• Covering the casserole while baking helps retain moisture; removing foil towards the end crisps the cheese topping.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, potato casserole, baked beef and potatoes, easy casserole recipe, comfort food