This recipe provides instructions for making a comforting and hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, a dish that layers savory seasoned ground beef with tender slices of potatoes and plenty of melted cheese. This casserole is a satisfying and easy way to feed a crowd, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It combines simple, wholesome ingredients into a flavorful and comforting bake. The base of the casserole is a layer of ground beef that has been browned and seasoned, typically with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices like salt, pepper, and sometimes a touch of paprika or Italian seasoning for added depth. Thinly sliced potatoes, often Yukon Gold or Russet, are then arranged over the meat layer. These potatoes can be raw, as they will cook through in the oven, or partially cooked beforehand to reduce baking time. The layers of ground beef and potatoes can be repeated for a more substantial casserole. The final touch is a generous topping of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both, which melts beautifully during baking, creating a gooey and flavorful crust. Some variations might include a creamy sauce, such as a simple white sauce or a mixture of sour cream and broth, poured over the potatoes to add extra moisture and richness. The casserole is baked until the potatoes are tender and cooked through, the ground beef is heated, and the cheese is melted and bubbly, often with a slightly golden-brown top. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives are often sprinkled over the top after baking for a touch of freshness and color. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a versatile dish that can be customized with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with the ground beef, or different types of cheese to suit your preferences. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and always a hit. The image shows a square glass baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The visible layers include seasoned ground beef at the bottom, topped with overlapping slices of potatoes, and a generous layer of melted orange cheese. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled over the top as a garnish.
The texture of Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting combination of tender slices of potato, savory and slightly crumbly ground beef, and a gooey, melted cheese topping that can sometimes have a slightly crispy edge.
The flavor profile is rich and savory, with the hearty taste of seasoned ground beef, the mild earthiness of the potatoes, and the salty, creamy flavor of the melted cheese. The aromatics like onions and garlic in the beef add depth, and any added spices contribute their individual notes.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef and thinly sliced potatoes, topped with melted cheese and baked until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
The preparation involves browning and seasoning ground beef with aromatics, layering it in a baking dish with sliced potatoes, topping with cheese, and baking until the potatoes are cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2-3 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a blend
- 1 cup beef broth or milk (optional, for added moisture)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer (for potatoes)
- 9×13 inch baking dish (or similar size)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Season the Beef: Season the ground beef mixture with salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and Italian seasoning (if using). Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an overlapping layer over the ground beef. You can do one layer of potatoes or create multiple layers, alternating with the ground beef, depending on the depth of your dish and the amount of ingredients. If you are making multiple layers, season each potato layer lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add Broth or Milk (Optional): If you want a more moist casserole, pour the beef broth or milk evenly over the potatoes. This will help them cook through and add a bit of liquid to the dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Ensure the potatoes are well covered with cheese for a nice melted topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through (you should be able to pierce them easily with a fork) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown in places. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your potato slices and whether they were pre-cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired, for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and cheesy meal!
Tips and Variations:
- Potato Preparation: For faster cooking, you can parboil the sliced potatoes for about 5-7 minutes before layering them in the casserole. This will reduce the overall baking time.
- Vegetable Additions: Sauté other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or diced carrots with the onions and ground beef for added flavor and nutrition.
- Creamy Sauce: For a creamier casserole, make a simple white sauce (béchamel) and pour it over the potatoes before topping with cheese.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as Gruyère for a nutty flavor or a spicy pepper jack for some heat.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Enjoy this easy and satisfying Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole! It’s a perfect meal for a cozy night in.