Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines savory beef with tender potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

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, sautéing until fragrant and softened.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, dried 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 beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. 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: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream to the sour cream mixture before combining.
• You can swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauté step adds more vegetables and flavor.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

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 prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Fresh potatoes work best for texture and flavor, but you can use thawed diced frozen potatoes if needed. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture before mixing with the beef.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 116 reviews

A hearty and comforting Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole combining tender diced potatoes with savory browned ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, all baked together with creamy sour cream and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Vegetables

• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

Dairy and Liquids

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth

Seasonings and Oil

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Peel the russet potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves to prepare for sautéing.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook while breaking up the meat with a spoon until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
5. Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together. Remove the skillet from heat once done.
6. Combine with Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the cooked beef mixture from the skillet. Fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well incorporated.
7. Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the potatoes and allow flavors to meld.
9. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is fully melted, bubbling, and slightly golden.
10. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes to set before serving, which improves texture and makes it easier to portion.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the beef.
• You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley before serving adds freshness and color.
• Use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese for a lighter version, though flavor may be slightly affected.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, potatoes casserole, baked ground beef, comfort food, cheesy casserole, beef and potatoes