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Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
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This easy Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and straightforward meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender potatoes with flavorful ground beef, baked to bubbly perfection with a cheesy topping, delivering warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table. Budget-friendly, family-approved, and versatile, this casserole is an instant favorite that can be customized to suit any preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or a blend)
  • 1 cup canned tomato sauce

Seasonings & Fat

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes thinly to ensure even cooking. Optionally, parboil the slices for a few minutes if you prefer a softer texture before assembling the casserole.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season generously with salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
  3. Assemble the Layers: Grease a casserole dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom, then spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over them. Spoon the canned tomato sauce over the beef layer, then top with the remaining potato slices.
  4. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the assembled casserole. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set. This makes it easier to cut into portions and enhances the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use uniform, thinly sliced potatoes for even cooking and smooth texture.
  • Drain excess fat from the ground beef after browning to avoid an oily casserole.
  • Season each layer lightly to build flavor depth throughout the dish.
  • Cover the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to help potatoes soften without drying out.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and it to firm up for easier serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, potatoes casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, baked casserole

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/ground-beef-and-potatoes-casserole/