Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole featuring tender diced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This dish combines simple ingredients into a flavorful one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
Liquids
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook while breaking up the meat until it is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together, then remove from heat.
- Combine with Potatoes: Transfer the diced potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Add the beef mixture to the potatoes, then fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well incorporated.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Spread the beef and potato mixture evenly into a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the potatoes through and allow flavors to blend.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly with a golden touch.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes out of the oven before serving. This helps set the casserole for better slicing and enhances the texture.
Notes
- Using russet potatoes works best for baking as they become tender but hold their shape.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and added protein.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when browning the beef.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Ensure the skillet is large enough to brown the beef evenly without overcrowding for better caramelization.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, potato casserole, easy dinner, baked casserole, comfort food, cheddar cheese casserole
