Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
This classic Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. It features seasoned ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, combined with tender diced potatoes and creamy sour cream, topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel the russet potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes for uniform cooking. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to prepare them for sautéing.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened to release their flavors.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook the meat while breaking it up until it is browned and fully cooked through.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine with Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well incorporated.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking, which helps it set and makes serving easier. Then serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the beef.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Use gluten-free beef broth to make this recipe gluten free if needed.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, potato casserole, cheesy beef bake, easy family dinner, baked ground beef and potatoes
