Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This hearty casserole perfectly blends savory ground beef, creamy sour cream, and tender potatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. The colors and textures make it visually appealing, whether it’s served for a family dinner, a game day gathering, or a potluck event. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.

As you prepare this dish, you’ll find the process both enjoyable and rewarding. The smell of sautéing onions and garlic will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere. In this article, you will learn how to make this delicious casserole, along with tips for serving, storing, and even some variations to suit your taste. Let’s dive in and discover how to create this crowd-pleasing meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like potatoes and lean ground beef.
2. Ease of Preparation: Simple steps make it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
3. Nutrition: A balanced meal that includes protein, vegetables, and dairy.
4. Versatility: Customize with your favorite seasonings or add-ins to suit your taste.
5. Presentation: Beautifully layered casserole perfect for impressing guests.

This delightful dish is sure to become a favorite!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 1 hour
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 40 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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

How To Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked.
5. Pour in beef broth and stir well, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
6. 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 well incorporated.
7. Transfer the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
8. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.
10. Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

    

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Serve directly from the casserole dish for a homestyle look.
2. Accompaniments: Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Portions: Cut evenly for serving. This dish is filling!
4. Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Your guests will love how the flavors work together.

Additional Tips

• Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
• Customize by adding vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition.
• Serve with a dollop of extra sour cream for a creamy touch.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Broccoli Beef Casserole: Add cooked broccoli florets for a veggie twist.
2. Spicy Tex-Mex Casserole: Mix in diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese for heat.
3. Italian Style Casserole: Include marinara sauce instead of beef broth and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Foil
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

2. Is this casserole healthy?
   It contains lean protein, potatoes, and dairy, making it a balanced meal when served with vegetables.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare it earlier in the day and bake it when ready to serve.

4. What are some options for customizing this dish?
   Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or swap ground beef for turkey or chicken.

5. Are there alternative cooking methods?
   Yes, you can also cook this casserole in a slow cooker or even on the stovetop, stirring frequently.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is perfect for any occasion. Its comforting nature, combined with its inviting presentation and nutritional benefits, makes it an ideal dish for busy families or casual get-togethers. So pull out those ingredients and give this easy-to-make recipe a try—you’ll love how quickly it becomes a favorite in your household!

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

A comforting casserole blending savory ground beef, creamy sour cream, and tender potatoes, topped with melted cheddar cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Casserole Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef Lean ground beef is recommended.
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced Diced into small, even cubes.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided Half for mixing, half for topping.
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing.
• 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes.
3. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Cooking

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked.
3. Pour in beef broth and stir well, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.

Assembly

1. 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 well incorporated.
2. Transfer the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Baking

1. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.
3. Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Notes

Enhance flavor with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Customize by adding vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition. Serve with a dollop of extra sour cream for a creamy touch.