Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with your family? This Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes recipe is just what you need. It's a delicious, satisfying dish that combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese into a wholesome casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this recipe offers flexibility with ingredients and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about making this incredible dish!

What Is Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes?

Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a classic comfort food that layers ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and other savory ingredients into one delicious dish. Think of it as a combination of a shepherd's pie and a loaded baked potato — but easier and quicker to make. This casserole is versatile, filling, and can be adapted to fit whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this satisfying casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef: Choose 80/20 or leaner for a healthier option.
• 4-5 medium russet potatoes: Washed, peeled, and thinly sliced.
• 1 small onion: Finely diced.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a gooey, creamy layer of flavor.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Provides a creamy base.
• ½ cup sour cream: For added richness and tang.
• ½ cup milk: Helps to thin out the soup mixture.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season every layer.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: For added depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Optional, for garnish.
• Cooking oil: To sauté the ground beef.

These ingredients are easy to find and can often be substituted based on what you already have at home.

Ingredients List for Variations

If you want to add more flavors or experiment with different textures, here are a few variations and additions you can make:

• Ground turkey or chicken: Swap out the ground beef for a leaner protein.
• Sweet potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Vegetables: Add in frozen peas, carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Cheese varieties: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a combination of cheeses to change the flavor profile.
• Herbs and spices: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a more aromatic dish. You can also use cayenne pepper or chili powder if you prefer a spicier casserole.

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to get creative with this casserole! The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some great substitution and variation ideas to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

1. Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative like lentils or meatless crumbles, and use a vegetable-based soup instead of cream of mushroom.
2. Gluten-Free: Ensure that the cream of mushroom soup you use is gluten-free, or make your own. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top for extra texture.
3. Dairy-Free: Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and replace the sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt.
4. Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to bring some heat to the dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the casserole.
2. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds. If you have a mandoline slicer, this can make the process much quicker.
3. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. Season the Beef: Once the ground beef is cooked, season it with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set the beef aside.
5. Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
6. Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9x13 baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes, followed by half of the creamy soup mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and creamy soup mixture.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
9. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving, giving it time to set.

How to Cook Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking this Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is simple and straightforward, but there are a few key steps to ensure it comes out perfect every time.

1. Brown the Ground Beef Thoroughly: Make sure to cook the beef until it’s fully browned before layering it into the casserole. This helps develop a deep, savory flavor.
2. Slice Potatoes Evenly: Even slicing ensures that the potatoes cook at the same rate. You don’t want some slices to be undercooked while others are mushy.
3. Layer Ingredients Evenly: Layering the ingredients properly ensures every bite has a little bit of everything — beef, potatoes, and the creamy sauce.
4. Don’t Rush the Bake Time: Baking for the full time allows the potatoes to become soft and absorb the flavors of the beef and sauce.
5. Rest the Casserole: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so that the layers have time to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Undercooking the Potatoes: If your potato slices are too thick, they may not cook through in the allotted time. Always slice them thinly for best results.
2. Too Much Liquid: Be careful not to add too much milk or soup, as it could make the casserole runny instead of creamy.
3. Not Draining the Beef: If you don’t drain the excess fat from the beef, the casserole could become greasy.
4. Skipping the Resting Time: Not letting the casserole rest can cause it to fall apart when serving.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A beautifully presented casserole can turn an ordinary dish into something special. Here are a few tips on serving and presenting your Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top to brighten up the dish.
2. Serve in Squares: After resting, slice the casserole into neat squares for easy serving.
3. Add a Side Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the casserole.

How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

Serve the casserole hot from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• Steamed green beans
• Roasted broccoli
• A simple garden salad with vinaigrette
• Crusty bread or dinner rolls

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

• Family Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a casual, family-style meal.
• Individual Portions: Cut the casserole into individual portions and serve on plates with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a more polished presentation.
• Layered in Ramekins: For a fun twist, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for single servings. This is great for dinner parties or special occasions.

Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply bake when ready.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd, or for batch cooking and freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage would work well in this recipe.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just be sure to thaw it completely before baking.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food — simple to make, versatile, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing meals in advance, this casserole is sure to satisfy. Follow the steps, experiment with variations, and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite. Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs of this recipe, it’s time to get cooking!

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