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If you’re searching for a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender slices of Yukon Gold potatoes with flavorful, perfectly browned ground beef, all topped with a golden, bubbly cheddar crust. Every bite delivers rich, comforting layers of creamy, savory goodness that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends. This casserole strikes the perfect balance of simple ingredients and decadent flavor, making it a go-to dinner for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create this extraordinary dish. Each element plays a crucial role, adding flavor, texture, or that beautiful color that makes this casserole irresistible.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The star protein, bringing savory depth and hearty richness.
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Creamy texture with a buttery flavor that holds up well in the bake.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that enhances the beef.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a subtle pungent kick that awakens the flavors.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create a deliciously golden, gooey topping.
- 1 cup whole milk: Ensures the potatoes remain moist and tender during baking.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the potatoes coat evenly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all ingredients.
- Optional: Dried herbs (thyme or rosemary): Introduce subtle earthiness and a fragrant aroma, perfect for personalization.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heating the oven first ensures everything cooks evenly from the moment you place your casserole inside, achieving that perfect golden crust we all love.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and cook the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they turn translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step releases their sweet, savory aromas and builds a flavorful foundation for the beef.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it loses its pink color and browns nicely. Season with salt and pepper to taste — this simple seasoning brings out the beef’s natural juices, making the casserole extra savory.
Step 4: Prepare the Potato Mixture
While the beef cooks, grab a mixing bowl and combine thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes with the whole milk, melted butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything until the potatoes are well-coated; this guarantees they bake up tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Grease your baking dish to prevent sticking, then create layering magic by spreading half of the potato mixture evenly across the bottom. Follow with half of the cooked beef mix. Repeat the layers, and finally top the entire dish with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese. This layering creates distinct pockets of flavor and texture that come together in every satisfying bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes—this steams the potatoes and melds the flavors beautifully. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and turn a gorgeous golden brown. The result is an inviting casserole with a crisp cheesy top and tender, flavorful layers beneath.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can truly elevate your casserole experience. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the casserole’s creamy richness. For a touch of indulgence, a dollop of sour cream on the side complements the savory flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with light, crisp sides balances the meal perfectly. Consider a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans seasoned with lemon zest. These sides add color and a refreshing crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish, inviting everyone to scoop out generous portions. Or, for a more elegant touch, use a ring mold to create individual portions plated with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil around the edge. Adding a lightly dressed side salad on the plate will turn this humble casserole into a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it great for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Wrap it securely with foil and plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions or the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave smaller servings, but baking helps retain the crisp cheese top and creamy potato layers that make this dish so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar offers a classic sharpness and great meltability, feel free to try mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Mixing cheeses can also add a delicious twist.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, the Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free seasoning and check that your cheese doesn’t contain any gluten additives. It’s a safe comfort food option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I substitute sweet potatoes for Yukon Gold potatoes?
You can, but sweet potatoes will introduce a sweeter flavor and softer texture. They’ll still be delicious, though the balance changes slightly. Consider adjusting seasonings to complement the natural sweetness if you make this swap.
What’s the best way to cook this for a crowd?
Use a larger baking dish and multiply the ingredients accordingly. This recipe scales up nicely. You can even prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate before baking, saving time on the day of your gathering.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas can be sautéed with the onions and garlic for extra color and nutrition. Just be mindful of moisture content as it can affect the casserole’s consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe truly embodies comfort food at its finest. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes for cozy dinners and family gatherings. Give it a shot—you won’t regret bringing this warm, satisfying casserole to your table.
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Print
Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes and savory seasoned ground beef, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or family dinner, it combines simple ingredients baked to golden, cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Dried herbs (thyme or rosemary)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to build the flavor base.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Potato Mixture: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced potatoes with whole milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper until well coated, ensuring the potatoes are flavored and moist.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the potato mixture at the bottom. Add half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top. Repeat the layers, then finish by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to cook the potatoes through and meld the flavors.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the casserole is done.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and even cooking.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle dried thyme or rosemary into the potato mixture before assembling.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it set.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
