Name: Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 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; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. With layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, this casserole is not only delicious but also satisfying. It’s an easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, flavorful, and filling. The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese makes for a rich and savory dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. The best part is that it comes together quickly, and it’s easy to customize based on what I have in the kitchen. It’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze! Plus, the leftovers taste just as good, so I always have a meal ready for the next day.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, diced
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
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the beef)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything together well and remove from heat.
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and milk. Stir until smooth.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the bottom of the dish with half of the sliced potatoes. Then, spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef.
Pour the sour cream mixture evenly over the casserole. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. The total cooking time is around 1 hour (45 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered). It’s perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or a combination of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Cheese Options: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack to give the casserole a different twist.
Add Veggies: I sometimes add frozen peas, carrots, or corn to the casserole for extra texture and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

If there are leftovers (which happens often!), I store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover it with foil and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare this casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. The next day, I just pop it in the oven to bake, adding a few extra minutes of cook time since it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! I can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it as directed. Alternatively, I can bake it directly from frozen; just add extra time to ensure it’s fully heated through.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

I love the idea of using sweet potatoes! They would add a nice sweetness and a slightly different texture to the casserole. Just be sure to slice them thinly so they cook properly.

How can I make the casserole even creamier?

To make the casserole extra creamy, I can add an extra 1/4 cup of sour cream or use a combination of sour cream and cream cheese. It adds richness and makes each bite even more indulgent.

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, I can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. I layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover it, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the beef is fully cooked.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. The layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a deliciously satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a meal I can always rely on for a quick and hearty dinner.