Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole: A Comforting Classic
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole: A Comforting Classic
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, and hearty casserole to bring comfort to the table. This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a delightful dish that combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, all baked together to perfection. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, a dish to bring to a potluck, or a family-favorite comfort food, this recipe has it all. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep work make this a great meal for busy nights.
Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein and carbs, this dish will keep everyone satisfied.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese is a guaranteed hit.
Customizable: You can add vegetables, switch up the cheese, or use different seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need:
1 ½ lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups potatoes, diced or quartered (golden or red potatoes work best)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar for extra cheesiness)
½ cup milk
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Drain any excess grease and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This creamy mixture will coat the potatoes and beef, adding extra flavor and moisture to the casserole.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the potatoes in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Layer half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
Pour half of the soup mixture evenly over the beef.
Repeat the layers: potatoes, beef, and the remaining soup mixture.
Top with shredded cheese for a gooey, melty finish.
