Description
This Beef Potato Cheese Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce are topped with melted cheddar cheese, then baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make one-dish meal that combines savory flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Cheese and Oils
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add aromatics: To the browned beef in the skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, infusing the mixture with flavor.
- Season the beef: Stir in salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly into the meat mixture. Then remove the skillet from heat and set it aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well combined. This sauce will add richness and moisture to the casserole.
- Layer the casserole: Place half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy mushroom sauce over the beef layer. Then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and finish with a top layer of cheddar cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period helps the dish set for easier serving and enhances flavor melding. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, cheesy casserole.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture.
- Use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes for best texture in baking.
- Ensure potatoes are sliced thinly and evenly to cook through within the baking time.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for variation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
