Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
