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Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

This Easy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a warm, comforting, and hearty one-dish meal featuring seasoned ground beef and creamy potatoes baked to golden perfection. Perfect for quick family dinners, it uses simple pantry staples, offers versatile variations, and delivers a cheesy, satisfying dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend of choice)
  • 1 cup beef broth (preferably warm)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel (optional) and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds. Parboil the slices in boiling water until just tender but still firm, then drain and set aside to prevent mushy texture.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned with no pink remaining to develop rich flavor.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, allowing sweetness to mellow and blend with the beef.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Stir together the cooked beef, onions, and garlic. Add warm beef broth, season with salt and pepper, and mix well. Layer the parboiled potato slices evenly in a greased baking dish, pour the beef mixture over them, and generously sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender, the mixture is bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and better set texture. Garnish if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking and texture.
  • Don’t skip browning the ground beef for enhanced flavor and caramelization.
  • Use warm beef broth to keep the casserole moist and evenly heated.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving to make slicing easier and improve texture.
  • For extra cheesy crust, add a second layer of cheese halfway through baking.
  • Customize by adding vegetables, swapping cheeses, or adjusting seasoning to suit dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, potato casserole, easy family dinner, comfort food, one-dish meal, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner