Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

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Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Introduction

A comforting, hearty casserole is the soul of many family dinners. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole blends classic American flavors—juicy seasoned beef, creamy potatoes, sweet corn, and melty cheddar—into a single dish that hits every nostalgic note. Perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or when you just need a warm hug in the form of food.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels
  • 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 green onions (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preparation Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion in olive oil until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Mix in flavors: Add corn, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes.
  4. Prepare sauce: In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup with sour cream and 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Layer the casserole:
  • First layer: Thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Second layer: Half of the beef-corn mixture.
  • Third layer: Half of the cheesy sauce.
  • Repeat layers once more.
  1. Top it off: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the top.
  2. Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
  3. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Methods

1. Sautéing

  • Purpose: To develop flavor in the ground beef and onion.
  • How: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.

2. Mixing

  • Purpose: To combine the creamy binder (cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese) and the meat mixture evenly.
  • How: In a large bowl, mix together the cream soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.

3. Layering

  • Purpose: To build distinct layers that cook together and fuse flavor while baking.
  • How: Start with a base of thinly sliced potatoes, then layer with the beef-corn mix and creamy cheese sauce. Repeat the layers for a rich, stacked result.

4. Baking

  • Purpose: To cook the potatoes through, melt the cheese, and blend the flavors together.
  • How: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 50–60 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the potatoes tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Garnishing

  • Purpose: To add freshness, color, and a final pop of flavor.
  • How: Once the casserole is baked, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the top just before serving.

Optional Methods:

Parboiling (Optional)

  • If you’re short on time or want to guarantee tender potatoes, you can briefly boil the sliced potatoes for 5–7 minutes before layering. This softens them and speeds up baking time.

Broiling (Optional Finish)

  • For an extra bubbly and browned cheese topping, you can place the casserole under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking. Watch it closely to avoid burning.

History

The casserole originated in post-WWII America when economical, one-dish meals became essential for busy households. This specific style of casserole, often labeled as a “cowboy casserole” in the South and Midwest, grew popular due to its simplicity, affordability, and flexibility. With roots in both traditional meat-and-potatoes cuisine and comfort food culture, it remains a beloved staple.

Benefits

  • Affordable and filling: Uses budget-friendly ingredients to feed a crowd.
  • Flexible: You can add veggies, beans, or swap beef for turkey or plant-based options.
  • Family-friendly: Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy topping.
  • Meal-prep hero: Stores well and reheats beautifully.

Formation (Cooking Technique)

This casserole is built using a layered baking technique:

  1. Base: Potatoes act as the starchy foundation.
  2. Protein Layer: Ground beef provides richness and depth.
  3. Binding Sauce: Cream of mushroom + sour cream blend binds the ingredients while adding moisture.
  4. Topping: Cheese not only flavors the dish but also forms a delicious crust.
  5. Oven Finish: Baking brings all layers together, melding flavors and textures.

Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1/8 of casserole)

  • Calories: 410
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 670mg
  • Sugar: 3g

Note: You can lighten this up by using light sour cream, low-fat cheese, or leaner beef.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a comfort meal on a cold night, or a potluck contribution, it always delivers. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table.

Lovers of This Dish

  • Busy parents looking for easy weeknight dinners.
  • College students needing comforting leftovers.
  • Casserole lovers and fans of midwestern cuisine.
  • Meal preppers and batch cookers.
  • Potluck pros looking to impress with minimal effort.

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