Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole: Hearty Family Dinner (Print Version)
Whip up this easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole for a comforting meal. Layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese make a satisfying dish.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 65 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Meat, Dairy
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Base
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
02 -
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
03 -
1 large onion, chopped
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Flavor Builders
05 -
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
06 -
2 cups beef broth
07 -
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
08 -
1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
09 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Creamy Topping
10 -
2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
11 -
2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
12 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Finishing Touch
13 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get a big skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Let it brown beautifully, getting some crispy bits – that's flavor, hon! Drain off any excess fat. Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell at this stage is just heavenly, a promise of good things to come. This is where I always make sure to season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
02 -
Once the onions are soft, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute or two, really letting it deepen in color. Pour in the beef broth and milk, then add your dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for about 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This step is crucial for giving this casserole its incredible depth. I once rushed this, and the sauce felt a bit thin, so take your time!
03 -
While the beef mixture simmers, peel and thinly slice your potatoes. I aim for about 1/8-inch thick; too thin and they can get mushy, too thick and they take forever to cook. A mandoline makes this super easy, but a sharp knife works too – just watch your fingers! I usually have a bowl of cold water ready to drop the sliced potatoes into to prevent browning while I'm slicing the rest.
04 -
Now for the fun part! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread about half of your beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes over the beef, overlapping them slightly. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture, then top with the rest of the potatoes. It's like building a delicious edible puzzle!
05 -
Dot the top layer of potatoes with small pieces of butter. This helps them get beautifully tender and adds richness. Then, sprinkle generously with your shredded cheddar cheese. I like a good thick layer of cheese because, honestly, what's a casserole without a glorious cheese crust? This is where the magic happens, watching that cheese melt and bubble.
06 -
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This steams the potatoes and helps them get tender. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let your Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. It lets the flavors meld and makes it easier to scoop out. The aroma filling the kitchen is just *chef's kiss*!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't rush browning the beef; that deep color means deep flavor later, trust me.
02 -
This casserole is even better the next day! Just cover it tight and pop it in the fridge.
03 -
Ran out of cheddar? Monterey Jack or even a colby blend works. I've tried it!
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens everything up, visually and taste-wise.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
sharp knife or mandoline
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 28g