If you are searching for a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes nestled with a flavorful, seasoned ground beef mixture create a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. With melted cheddar cheese crowning the dish, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings simple ingredients to life in the most satisfying way. Whether for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole combines ease, flavor, and a little touch of home-cooked magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients strike the perfect balance between simplicity and robust flavor. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the creamy potato slices, savory beef, or aromatic herbs that build layers of taste and texture. Gather these pantry and fridge staples to create a dish that’s both familiar and wonderfully comforting.
- Potatoes (6 medium, peeled and thinly sliced): The foundation of the casserole, provide softness and absorb the rich flavors.
- Butter (2 tablespoons) or cooking oil: For sautéing and adding a luscious richness.
- Onion (1, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the ground beef mixture.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Offers an aromatic punch that elevates the savory profile.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon, minced): Imparts an earthy, herbal note.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein center of the casserole.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, to taste): Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Bouillon powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts umami richness; can be substituted with extra salt.
- Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat to balance the dish.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle smoky flavor and lovely color.
- Oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings a hint of Mediterranean fragrance.
- Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the savory gravy for perfect consistency.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Adds moisture and a deep meaty flavor to the sauce.
- Milk (½ cup): Creates a creamy base for the gravy that ties everything together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts to form a golden, gooey topping.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): Provides a fresh, bright garnish to finish the casserole.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for a perfect bake. Then, peel the potatoes and slice them thinly and as uniformly as possible. This care ensures even cooking and a tender texture throughout the casserole.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh thyme and cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This simple step builds the flavorful base for your beef mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Season it thoroughly with salt, black pepper, bouillon powder, oregano, and paprika. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through, creating that irresistible savory layer in the casserole.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasiness, then sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture. Stir constantly and cook for about a minute to toast the flour, which will help thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in the beef broth and milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Keep cooking until the mixture thickens to a rich, gravy-like consistency that will perfectly coat the potatoes.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Butter a 9″x13″ baking dish or use non-stick spray to ensure easy serving afterwards. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom, then spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef. This layering ensures each bite is packed with both creamy potatoes and savory beef goodness.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld. This step allows gentle cooking that softens the potatoes while locking in moisture and taste.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted fully and bubbles with a golden crust. This cheesy crown adds a comforting richness that brings the casserole to the next level.
Step 8: Cool and Garnish
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set and make serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbal lift to each hearty slice.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic and simple garnish that adds a beautiful green contrast and a subtle freshness to the rich casserole. You can also try sprinkling a bit of freshly cracked black pepper or a few chili flakes if you like a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing salads like a garden salad or coleslaw to balance the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus can add a nice vegetal note and vibrant color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions baked in small ramekins topped with a sprig of parsley. Another idea is to layer the casserole into a pie dish and cut it into wedges for a rustic, family-style meal that looks as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal again with minimal effort.
Freezing
You can freeze the Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. If freezing raw, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing leftovers, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and use within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, typically about 20-25 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works well—just cover lightly and heat in short intervals to retain moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this casserole?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese offers great flavor and meltability, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just choose cheeses that melt well for the best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep the hearty texture and flavor. Adjust seasonings as needed to enhance the vegetarian filling.
Should I peel the potatoes or keep the skins on?
Peeling the potatoes helps create a creamier, smoother texture in the casserole. However, leaving the skins on adds extra nutrients and a bit more rustic texture. Either way works depending on your preference.
Can this casserole be made in advance and baked later?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day before baking. Keep it covered and refrigerated, then bake it fresh when you’re ready. This makes it a perfect dish for busy days or entertaining.
What can I do if my casserole turns out too dry?
If the casserole seems dry, adding a splash of beef broth or milk before reheating can help restore moisture. Ensuring the potatoes are sliced evenly and not too thick also helps retain moisture during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is a true kitchen treasure—simple to prepare and bursting with flavors that bring everyone back for seconds. It perfectly balances heartiness and comfort, making it an ideal go-to dish for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
This hearty Ground Beef and Potato Casserole combines thinly sliced potatoes layered with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef and aromatic herbs, baked to perfection with melted cheddar cheese on top. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Potatoes and Cheese
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
Beef Mixture
- 2 tablespoons (28g) butter or cooking oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon (1g) fresh thyme, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon (3g) bouillon powder (or substitute with salt)
- 1 teaspoon (2-3g) ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (3g) paprika
- 1 teaspoon (1-2g) oregano
- 2 tablespoons (15g) flour
- 1 cup (236ml) beef broth
- ½ cup (118ml) milk
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, uniform slices to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and the garlic is fragrant, building the flavor base.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until browned and fully cooked. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Season it with salt, black pepper, bouillon powder, oregano, and paprika to infuse deep flavor.
- Prepare Beef Roux: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well. Cook for about a minute to toast the flour, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Gradually add the beef broth and milk to the skillet while stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly to form a gravy-like consistency.
- Layer Casserole: Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat layering with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to slice the potatoes uniformly thin.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the dish.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the beef mixture for a warm, subtle flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
