Ground beef and potatoes casserole is a heartwarming dish that takes me back to cozy dinners at home. This recipe combines the robust flavors of seasoned ground beef with tender, creamy potatoes, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a filling dish to share on a chilly evening, this casserole is a delightful way to satisfy hungry bellies. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup, which is always a bonus in my book!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This ground beef and potatoes casserole isn’t just another recipe; it’s a delicious blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress. Here are a few reasons to make this dish:
- Quick & Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can get it in the oven quickly, making it a terrific option for busy weekdays.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple, inexpensive ingredients like ground beef and potatoes means your wallet won’t take a hit, but your taste buds will thank you.
- Family Favorite: This dish is a surefire hit with everyone—kids love the cheesy goodness, while adults appreciate the savory flavors and hearty texture.
"This casserole is an instant family favorite! It was so easy to make and tasted incredible. The kids couldn’t stop asking for seconds!"
The Cooking Process Explained
Making a ground beef and potatoes casserole is uncomplicated and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how it all comes together:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by prepping your fresh ingredients to have everything ready. Dice the potatoes and chop the onions while preheating your oven.
- Cook the Beef: Sauté the onions and garlic, then brown the ground beef with spices before creating a creamy mixture with potatoes.
- Layer and Bake: Combine the beef and potato mixture in a baking dish, top with cheese, cover, and bake until bubbly.
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need for this cozy dish.
What You’ll Need
To whip up this delicious casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Feel free to switch out the cheddar cheese for a different variety if you like, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option!
Directions to Follow
Let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step directions to create your casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into small, even cubes.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir well, letting it simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well mixed.
- Transfer the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Once your casserole is out of the oven, it’s time to dig in! Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your meal:
- Serve with a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole beautifully.
- Pair with Bread: Fresh bread or buttery dinner rolls can soak up the delicious flavors and make for a complete meal.
- Add Hot Sauce: For those who like it spicy, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can add an exciting kick!
How to Store & Freeze
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as instructed.
- Reheat Safely: When reheating, ensure the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to keep it safe.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly, consider these pro chef tips:
- Potato Prep: Make sure to cut your potatoes into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil for a twist on the flavor profile.
- Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, mix in some cream cheese with the sour cream.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some creative variations to shake things up:
- Cheesy Broccoli Addition: Stir in some steamed broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a touch of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Meat Substitutes: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
FAQ
How long does it take to make this casserole?
From start to finish, you can expect the casserole to take about an hour, including preparation and baking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it’s straight from the fridge.
Are there any substitutions for the sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute, and you can also use cream cheese for a richer taste.
This ground beef and potatoes casserole recipe is a classic that ticks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and satisfaction. Dive in and enjoy the comforting warmth it brings to your table!
Print
Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A heartwarming casserole combining seasoned ground beef and tender, creamy potatoes, perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peeled potatoes and cut them into small cubes.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, seasoning with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook until browned.
- Pour in beef broth, stir well, and let simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in sour cream and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: casserole, ground beef, comfort food, potatoes, family meal