Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole deserves a spot on your table. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese come together in one baking dish to create a hearty meal that feels like pure comfort food. It is the kind of recipe that works equally well for a busy weeknight dinner, a casual family gathering, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Main Essence of this Dish

The beauty of Ground Beef and Potato Casserole lies in its simplicity. Everyday ingredients are transformed into a rich and satisfying meal with layers of flavor and texture. Thinly sliced potatoes become soft and buttery while the seasoned beef mixture adds savory depth. A creamy sauce keeps everything moist, and the golden layer of melted cheese on top brings the entire casserole together. This classic comfort dish is budget-friendly, easy to customize, and loved by both kids and adults. Inspired by traditional American casserole-style cooking, it combines simple pantry staples into a complete meal.

Preparation Information

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Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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How to Make Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds. Place them in cold water while preparing the remaining ingredients to prevent discoloration.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Add paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the seasonings coat the beef evenly.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir continuously for about one minute. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring. Add the milk and cream of mushroom soup. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the potato slices in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over the potatoes. Spread the beef mixture evenly on top. Finish with the remaining potatoes and the remaining cheese.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

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Helpful Tips

• Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
• Add mushrooms, peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• For a richer flavor, mix cheddar and mozzarella cheese together.
• Let the casserole rest before slicing to help it hold its shape.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or warm dinner rolls. For a complete comfort-food meal, serve it with steamed green beans or buttered peas on the side.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving.