Of course! Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is the definition of hearty, comforting food. It’s a layered dish that combines savory ground beef, vegetables, and creamy potatoes, all baked under a golden, cheesy topping.
Think of it as a deconstructed shepherd’s pie or a hearty cousin to scalloped potatoes. Here’s a classic and delicious recipe.
Potato and Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
This recipe is forgiving and perfect for using what you have on hand.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
Serves: 6-8 people
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer:
· 1 lb ground beef
· 1 medium onion, chopped
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
· 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or 1 cup beef broth
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
· Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Potato Layer:
· 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)
· 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
· ½ cup sour cream
· ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
· 2 tablespoons butter
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef Layer: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the frozen vegetables, tomato sauce (or beef broth), Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Prepare the Potato Mixture: While the beef simmers, place the sliced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-6 minutes, just until they start to become tender but are not falling apart. Drain well.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the sour cream, milk, and butter. Warm over low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and white pepper. (Alternatively, you can mix these ingredients in a bowl without heating.)
- Combine Potatoes and Sauce: In a large bowl, gently toss the drained, cooked potato slices with the creamy sauce and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole:
· Bottom Layer: Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
· Top Layer: Carefully spoon the cheesy potato mixture over the beef, spreading it into an even layer. - Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Brown: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Tips for Success & Variations
· Potato Shortcut: For an even quicker version, use a 20-24 oz bag of frozen shredded hash browns (thawed) or frozen potato slices instead of fresh potatoes. Skip the boiling step and mix them directly with the creamy sauce.
· Tater Tot Version: For a “Cowboy Casserole” twist, skip the creamy potato layer and top the beef mixture with a single layer of frozen tater tots. Bake as directed, adding the cheese for the last 10 minutes.
· Creamier Version: Substitute a can of condensed cream of mushroom or celery soup for the tomato sauce or beef broth in the beef layer. It creates a richer, gravy-like consistency.
· Add More Flavor: Sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms with the onions. A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
· Cheese Options: Feel free to use a different cheese like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
· Ensure Potatoes are Cooked: The boiling step (par-cooking) is key to ensuring your potatoes are fully tender and not crunchy in the final bake.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
· Comfort in a Pan: It’s warm, savory, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying—the ultimate comfort food.
· Feeds a Crowd: It’s a perfect family dinner or potluck dish.
· Great Leftovers: It reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week.
· Customizable: You can easily adapt it to your family’s tastes or what’s in your pantry.
Enjoy this delicious, hearty meal