Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole: An Amazing Ultimate One-Pan Dinner!

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is an incredible one-pan dinner that combines hearty ingredients into a dish your family will adore. The harmony of ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes is a delicious amalgamation of flavors that will leave everyone wanting seconds. This casserole not only delivers on taste but also checks all the boxes for convenience. It’s made in just one pan, meaning less cleanup after a satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a cozy dinner for two, this dish will certainly amaze you with its simplicity and flavor.
Imagine sinking your fork into layers of comfort food bliss, with every bite revealing the essence of melted cheese and savory beef. As the casserole bakes, your kitchen will be filled with irresistible aromas, teasing everyone’s taste buds and making the wait almost unbearable. The beauty of Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole lies in its versatility—perfect for a cold winter evening, during busy weeknights, or for large gatherings. You can also customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. By the end of this guide, you’ll understand why this recipe is a staple that deserves a prominent place in your culinary repertoire!
Let’s dive deeper into the recipe’s charms, from why this dish is worth making to the step-by-step process of preparation. Prepare to be amazed by how an incredible and delicious meal is achievable with just a few straightforward steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together beautifully. Here are a few reasons why this recipe will win your heart:
1. Simplicity – Quick prep and cooking make this a go-to recipe for busy families.
2. One Pan – Minimal dishes mean less cleanup, giving you more time to relax.
3. Comfort Food – Hearty and filling, it’s perfect for satisfying even the hungriest of appetites.
4. Customizable – Feel free to add any veggies or seasonings you enjoy, tailoring it to your taste.
5. Kid-Friendly – The cheese and mild flavors make it appealing to children, ensuring they’ll eat their dinner.
6. Leftover-Friendly – This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a smart option for meal prep.
Every aspect of this recipe is designed to provide not only nourishment but also enjoyment. Each bite combines flavors and textures that deliver satisfaction and joy, whether around your kitchen table or at a festive gathering.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Making Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is fast and efficient. Here’s an overview of the time needed:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
– Total Time: 1 hour 5-15 minutes
These timeframes may vary slightly depending on your cooking style and kitchen setup. However, you can expect this delicious meal to be ready quickly!

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef
– 4 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing the pan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a breeze with the following steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Add Onions and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Season: Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
6. Layer the Potatoes: Place half of the sliced potatoes along the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly.
7. Add Beef Mixture: Evenly spread the cooked beef mixture over the layered potatoes.
8. Add Remaining Potatoes: Layer the remaining sliced potatoes over the beef mixture.
9. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream and beef broth until well combined. Pour this mixture over the layered casserole, ensuring an even distribution.
10. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
11. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
12. Uncover and Bake Again: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
13. Check Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are tender by inserting a fork into the layers.
14. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
This uncomplicated method guarantees a delightful casserole that showcases the rich flavors you’ve combined.

How to Serve

To ensure your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole leaves a lasting impression, consider the following serving suggestions:
1. Presentation: Serve directly from the baking dish for a homestyle feeling. You can garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
2. Plating: Use a spatula to carefully scoop out generous portions, ensuring everyone receives a good mix of beef, potatoes, and cheese.
3. Accompaniments: Pair it with freshly baked bread or a simple side salad for a wholesome meal.
4. Beverage Pairings: A light red wine or a refreshing iced tea can complement the casserole perfectly.
5. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
These thoughtful serving ideas will elevate your dining experience, ensuring that your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is not only delicious but also memorable!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and high-quality ground beef enhance the flavors of the casserole.
– Customize Your Cheese: Try different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for added flavor.
– Add Texture: Include breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a delightful crunch.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to make this dish your own! Here are some variations to try:
1. Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more nutrition and flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Mix in some jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy twist that will wake up your taste buds.
3. Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for a fragrant boost to the dish.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Leftover casserole is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can last for about 3 days.
– Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Special Equipment

To prepare Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole efficiently, you will need a few key tools:
– Large skillet for browning the beef
– 9×13-inch baking dish for layering the casserole
– Mixing bowl for combining the sour cream and beef broth
– Aluminum foil for covering the casserole during baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will make the dish lighter while still being delicious.

How do I know if the potatoes are cooked through?

You can test the potatoes for tenderness by inserting a fork into the casserole. If it goes through easily, they are ready.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

To keep the casserole gluten-free, ensure that all seasonings and additional ingredients you use are gluten-free.

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Definitely! You can prepare it a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking it straight from the fridge.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a satisfying and hearty dish that brings comfort food to a whole new level. With its savory flavors, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes, this one-pan dinner is bound to become a family favorite. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for various occasions, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering. Plus, the minimal cleanup gives you more time to enjoy the delicious results with those you love.

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