This Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Packed with flavor and satisfying enough to please the whole family, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. The layers of goodness will melt in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of textures and tastes!
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the dish. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, milk, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Layer the Casserole: On top of the sliced potatoes, layer the cooked ground beef and sautéed onions and garlic. Pour the sour cream mixture evenly over the layers. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top (if using). Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Once baked, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm, and enjoy this delightful, hearty dish!