Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole

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Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole

Introduction

If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal that brings the family together, this Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort dish. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan wonder loaded with tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and a melty cheese topping that’s pure indulgence. This dish is great for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.

This casserole is a classic American-style dish, inspired by traditional meat-and-potato meals that have been a staple for centuries. It brings together simple, budget-friendly ingredients in a way that creates a meal loved by both kids and adults.

History of the Dish

Casseroles have been a part of American cooking since the 19th century, but they gained major popularity in the 1950s when home cooks sought easy, delicious, and affordable meals. The idea of combining potatoes, ground beef, and cheese likely originated as a spin-off of classic meat and potato dishes like shepherd’s pie. Today, variations of this casserole exist worldwide, each adding its own twist with different cheeses, seasonings, and toppings.

Ingredients

For the Base:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar for extra cheesiness)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

For the Potatoes:

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For Topping:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant (2-3 minutes).
  3. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
  4. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
  2. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the potato chunks with melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
  3. Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly over the potatoes.
  2. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
  3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Final Bake

  1. Remove foil and sprinkle mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese on top.
  2. Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  3. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  4. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!

Benefits of This Casserole

  1. High in Protein – Thanks to ground beef and cheese, this dish keeps you full and energized.
  2. Good Source of Carbohydrates – The potatoes provide sustained energy.
  3. Calcium-Rich – Cheese is great for bone health.
  4. Customizable – Swap the beef for turkey, chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist.
  5. Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, inexpensive ingredients to feed a crowd.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate values, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Calcium: 20% of Daily Value

Formation & Texture

This casserole has a perfect balance of textures:

  • Creamy & Cheesy from the melted layers of cheese.
  • Hearty & Filling with seasoned beef and tender potatoes.
  • Crispy & Golden on top, thanks to the final broiling step.

Casserole Lovers & Variations

This dish is adored by busy parents, college students, and comfort food lovers alike! Some fun variations include:

  • Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning and top with jalapeños.
  • Bacon Lover’s Version: Mix in crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
  • Healthier Twist: Swap potatoes for cauliflower to reduce carbs.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, rich, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a foolproof dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables, and you’ve got a complete, hearty meal.

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