Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Easy Comfort Dish

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Looking for an easy comfort dish that warms your heart? This Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole is just what you need! With layers of tasty ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese, you can whip up a meal that the whole family will love. I’ll walk you through every step, from gathering simple ingredients to baking a delicious dinner. Let’s dive into this cozy dish that’s perfect for any night!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Comfort Food at Its Best: This casserole combines hearty ingredients with creamy and cheesy goodness, making it the ultimate comfort dish for any occasion.
2. Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without the fuss.
3. Feeding a Crowd: With six generous servings, this casserole is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or when you have friends over for dinner.
4. Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to modify the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb ground beef

– 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Extras

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup beef broth

– 1 cup sour cream

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnishing Ingredients

– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

The main ingredients create the heart of this dish. Ground beef gives it protein, while potatoes add comfort. The cheeses provide that rich, creamy taste we love.

Onions and garlic add depth and flavor. Broth and sour cream create a smooth sauce to tie everything together. Don’t skip on the seasonings; they make your casserole pop!

Finally, don’t forget the fresh parsley! It adds color and freshness. Olive oil helps sauté the onion and garlic, enhancing the dish’s overall taste. Each ingredient plays a vital role in making this cheesy ground beef potato casserole both hearty and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating and Preparing the Skillet

1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly.

2. In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it on medium.

3. Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Cooking the Ground Beef

1. Now, add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart.

2. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

3. Cook until the beef is well browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Layering the Casserole

1. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of sour cream and 1 cup of beef broth. Stir until smooth.

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom.

3. Lightly season the potatoes with salt and pepper.

4. Spread half of the cooked beef over the potatoes.

5. Next, pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef.

6. Sprinkle half of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.

7. Repeat these layers with the rest of the potatoes, beef, creamy sauce, and finish with the remaining cheese.

Baking Instructions

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven.

2. Bake for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

3. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil.

4. Continue baking for 20-25 minutes. The cheese should be golden and bubbly, and the potatoes tender.

5. Once baked, take the casserole out and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Casserole

To ensure even cooking, slice the potatoes thinly. This helps them cook through. Layering is key for flavor. Start with potatoes, then beef, and finally the creamy sauce. Repeat these layers. Finish with cheese on top for that perfect golden crust.

Time-Saving Suggestions

You can prep in advance. Slice the potatoes and onion a day before. Brown the beef ahead of time too. This makes assembly quick. Using shortcuts like pre-shredded cheese saves time. It cuts down on prep and cleanup.

Enhancing Flavor

Adjust spices to fit your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or more paprika for smokiness. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Pair this dish with a crisp salad or steamed veggies for balance. A side of crusty bread complements the casserole well.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can change the meat in this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken works well. Both options are leaner and still tasty. If you prefer a different cheese, try gouda or pepper jack. These cheeses will give your dish a new twist.

Dietary Modifications

If you need gluten-free options, check your broth and cheese for gluten. Most brands are safe, but some have hidden gluten. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. Both options add flavor and texture.

Flavor Profiles

Adding vegetables can boost the taste. Try mixing in spinach, bell peppers, or carrots. They add color and nutrients. You can also incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary. Fresh herbs enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Tips

Store your Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole in a good container. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools first before you seal it.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also use a freezer-safe container. It will freeze well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

Leftover Ideas

There are many ways to use leftovers. You can reheat it as is or make cheesy stuffed peppers. Just scoop some into halved bell peppers and bake. Another idea is to turn it into a hearty soup. Add beef broth and some extra veggies for a new dish. Use leftovers for meal prep too. Pack it in containers for quick lunches throughout the week.

FAQs

Common Cooking Questions

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Just prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to eat.

What sides pair well with the casserole?

This casserole goes great with a simple green salad or steamed veggies. You can also serve some crusty bread on the side. These sides add freshness and balance to the meal.

Ingredient Clarifications

Can I use frozen potatoes?

You can use frozen potatoes, but fresh ones taste better. If you use frozen, thaw them before layering. This helps the casserole cook evenly.

What kind of broth is best?

Beef broth works best for this casserole. It adds rich flavor to the meat and potatoes. You can also use low-sodium broth for a lighter option.

Cooking Techniques

How to tell when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese is golden and bubbly. You should be able to pierce the potatoes easily with a fork. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for achieving a crispy top?

For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 20-25 minutes of baking. You can also add a bit more cheese on top for extra crunch and flavor.

This blog post explored making a delicious casserole. We covered main ingredients like beef, potatoes, and cheese. I shared tips on cooking, layering, and baking. You also learned about variations for different diets and flavors. Lastly, we talked about storage and leftover ideas.

Casseroles are versatile and easy to prepare. With these steps, you can impress anyone. Enjoy your tasty casserole, and let your creativity shine in the kitche

Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole made with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• to taste salt and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

 

• Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, stirring until it is well browned. Season with paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
• In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and beef broth. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well mixed, creating a creamy sauce.
• In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
• Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the layer of potatoes. Follow this with half of the sour cream mixture, then sprinkle half of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, sour cream mixture, and finish off with the rest of the cheese on top for that glorious cheesy finish.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork.
• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword beef, casserole, cheese, potatoes

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