Potato and Ground Beef Casserole
Introduction
This dish is a nostalgic throwback to family dinners, warm kitchens, and the joy of simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. It’s a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal that works just as well for a weekday dinner as it does for a weekend treat. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, this casserole will win hearts and satisfy hungry stomachs!
Ingredients
For a big 9×13 inch baking dish:
- 6 medium russet potatoes (thinly sliced)
- 1.5 lb (700g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional for thickening)
- Optional garnish: parsley, green onions
Instructions**
1. Prep the Potatoes
- Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes into rounds. Pat them dry and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil, then sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add ground beef, break it apart, and cook until browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Optional: Add flour and cook 1 more minute to help thicken the mixture.
- Pour in beef broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
3. Layer the Casserole
- Grease your baking dish with a little oil or butter.
- Start layering: potatoes → meat mixture → cheese → repeat.
- End with a layer of potatoes topped with cheese.
- Pour heavy cream evenly over the casserole.
4. Bake
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to set.
Methods & Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer for ultra-thin, even potatoes.
- Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a nutritional boost.
- Sub ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for variations.
- Add a layer of béchamel sauce for a creamier version.
- Want a crispy top? Broil for 3-5 minutes at the end
Detailed Methods for Making Potato and Ground Beef Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Purpose: Prepping ahead makes the assembly process smooth and efficient.
- Peel and Slice the Potatoes: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to cut the potatoes into thin, even rounds (about 1/8 inch thick). This ensures even cooking and a creamy texture.
- Dice the Onion & Mince the Garlic: The smaller the better, for more even distribution of flavor.
- Drain the Tomatoes: Removing excess liquid keeps the casserole from becoming watery.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
Purpose: Build deep flavor into the casserole’s core layer.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir to coat evenly.
- Add Tomatoes: Mix in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Optional Thickening: Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for 1 minute to help absorb excess moisture.
- Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth. Let it simmer for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened and well blended. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Build the Casserole (Formation Method)
Purpose: Create beautiful, flavorful layers that hold together after baking.
- Grease the Dish: Lightly butter or oil a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- First Layer – Potatoes: Spread a single layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom.
- Second Layer – Beef Mixture: Spoon a layer of the cooked beef and tomato mixture on top.
- Third Layer – Cheese: Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese.
- Repeat: Continue layering: potatoes → beef mixture → cheese — until you run out. Finish with a potato layer topped generously with cheese.
- Pour the Cream: Slowly pour the heavy cream (or evaporated milk) evenly over the top. It will seep through the layers while baking, creating a creamy texture.
Step 4: Bake It
Purpose: Bake to meld the flavors and soften the potatoes while crisping the top.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This steams the potatoes and sets the layers.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes to brown the top and bubble the cheese.
- Optional Crisp Top: Broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before cutting. This helps it firm up and makes serving much easier.
Storage & Reheating Methods
- Storage: Let the casserole cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – makes about 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | 27g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Fats | 23g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
| Iron | 18% DV |
Health Benefits
- Protein-packed: Ground beef supports muscle growth and keeps you full longer.
- Potassium-rich potatoes: Great for heart health and blood pressure regulation.
- Fiber & antioxidants: From tomatoes and optional added veggies.
- Customizable: Adjust to your dietary needs easily
Lovera (Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Dish)*
This casserole has layers of love. Every forkful offers buttery-soft potatoes hugging savory beef in cheesy goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes people go quiet at the dinner table — except for the occasional “mmmmm.” You’ll fall in love because:
- It’s easy to make.
- It feeds a big group.
- It reheats like a dream.
- It brings people together.
Formation
This dish is best formed by creating even, alternating layers:
- Potato slices at the base.
- A hearty scoop of beef mixture.
- A generous sprinkle of cheese.
- Repeat until the dish is full.
This method ensures you get flavor and texture in every bite — like building a lasagna of comfort food!
Conclusion
The Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is more than just a meal — it’s a warm hug, a cozy blanket, a dish steeped in homestyle tradition and love. Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this casserole is your go-to. So fire up that oven, grab those spuds, and let the magic begin.