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Easy Beef and Potato Casserole

Easy Beef and Potato Casserole
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Easy Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, savory seasonings, and melty cheese baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners, this hearty casserole is quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and adaptable with various spices and vegetables for personalized flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Optional Variations

  • 1/2 cup diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers (for veggie boost)
  • Ground turkey or chicken as beef substitute
  • Alternative cheeses: gouda, pepper jack, or blends
  • Herbs alternatives: rosemary, oregano, or basil
  • Red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños (for spicy kick)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through perfectly and layer nicely in the casserole.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, stir in diced onions and minced garlic and cook until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Season and Add Broth: Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, paprika, and any preferred herbs. Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer briefly to combine flavors and keep the beef moist.
  4. Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Alternate layers of sliced potatoes and the beef mixture, starting and ending with potatoes to provide structure and creamy texture.
  5. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use a mandoline for uniform potato slices to ensure consistent cooking.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Allow the beef broth to simmer and reduce slightly for deeper flavor before layering.
  • Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture during baking, then remove for browning.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and better flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef casserole, potato casserole, one dish meal, easy dinner, family recipe, comfort food, gluten free casserole

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/easy-beef-and-potato-casserole/