This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a warm and comforting dish. With layers of savory ground beef, cheesy goodness, and tender potatoes, it’s perfect for family dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your casserole, adding rich flavor. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a meat-free version, consider using lentils or a mix of beans.
Potatoes: I recommend using russet potatoes for their fluffiness. You could also use Yukon gold for a creamier texture. For a quicker option, frozen hash browns can be a time-saver!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives great taste, but you can swap it with Monterey Jack or a cheese blend. If you want a sharper flavor, aged cheddar works well too!
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and depth. You can replace it with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce if you prefer to avoid canned products. Vegan options are also available if you’re looking for a plant-based alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Getting those potatoes just right is key! First, slice your potatoes as uniformly as possible so they cook evenly. If you want to ensure they’re tender when baked, you could parboil them in salted water for about 5 minutes before layering. This extra step helps them cook through easily and keeps your casserole from being too soggy.
- Slice potatos thinly (about 1/8 inch).
- Parboil them in salted water to soften slightly, around 5 minutes.
- This not only makes sure your potatoes are tender but helps the layers meld together nicely.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This dish will take you about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of cooking time. So, set aside about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make this delicious casserole from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will help the casserole not stick!
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they are softened and fragrant—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as you go along. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep it from being greasy.
4. Season the Beef:
Stir in the salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning into the beef mixture. After seasoning, remove it from the heat and set aside.
5. Make the Soup Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup with the milk until smooth. This will create a creamy sauce for the casserole.
6. Layer the Ingredients:
Now, let’s build our casserole! Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of your greased dish.
7. Add the Beef Layer:
Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Make sure to cover them well!
8. Pour the Soup Mixture:
Pour half of your soup mixture evenly over the beef layer. This adds creaminess and flavor to the dish!
9. Cheese It Up!
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and soup combinations. Yummy, right?
10. Layer Again:
Now, repeat the layering with the remaining sliced potatoes, the rest of the soup mixture, and finish it off with the remaining cheese on top.
11. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to start with. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This keeps the moisture in and helps the potatoes cook through!
12. Final Baking:
After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden cheese topping and tender potatoes when pierced with a fork.
13. Let It Rest:
Once done, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before you serve it. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut!
14. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if you want to add a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious cheesy goodness!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a lovely sweetness and extra nutrients to your casserole. Just slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly with the rest of the ingredients.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or pop the whole casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic at the beginning to cook them slightly before layering them in the casserole.
