Introduction
When the cool weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty casserole to fill both your stomach and your soul. If you’re looking for an easy, satisfying dish that combines classic ingredients into a comforting meal, then this ground beef casserole with potatoes is exactly what you need. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or preparing a potluck dish, this casserole is simple to prepare, affordable, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe, packed with layers of flavor and nutrition!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes:
- Budget-Friendly: This casserole uses affordable, everyday ingredients like ground beef and potatoes, making it perfect for families on a budget.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can throw this dish together quickly, even on busy weeknights.
- Comforting and Delicious: The combination of savory beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese creates a dish that’s both filling and comforting.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, providing the savory, meaty flavor that makes the casserole so satisfying. If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best because they hold their shape well during baking, but you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and adds a sharp, rich flavor to the casserole. For a different twist, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda.
- Beef Broth and Milk: These create a creamy sauce base. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the milk with almond milk or a similar plant-based alternative.
- Paprika and Garlic: These seasonings add depth to the dish, but you can leave them out if you prefer a more basic flavor profile.
How to Make Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes (Step-by-Step)
- Brown the Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. This ensures the beef has a rich flavor and texture.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the beef is cooking, you can quickly whip up a simple roux-based sauce. The butter, flour, broth, and milk come together to create a creamy base that complements the beef and potatoes perfectly.
- Layer It Up: Once the beef is cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble. Layering the potatoes, beef mixture, and sauce ensures that every bite has the right balance of flavors.
- Bake to Perfection: Baking the casserole covered ensures the potatoes become tender while removing the cover towards the end allows the cheese to brown and crisp up beautifully.
Expert Tips for Success
- Thinly Slice the Potatoes: To ensure the potatoes cook through evenly, slice them as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer can be helpful here.
- Season Generously: Potatoes can be bland if under-seasoned, so make sure to season each layer of the casserole with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy.
- Drain the Beef: After browning the ground beef, drain off any excess fat to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Variations and Customizations
- Dietary Modifications: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour in the sauce. If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a meatless alternative like lentils or plant-based ground “beef” for a hearty, vegetarian version.
- Add Veggies: To pack in more nutrition, consider adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans into the casserole for extra color and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Leftover ground beef casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick warm-up, or place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. If you’re reheating individual portions, a microwave works just fine.
Serving Suggestions
This ground beef casserole with potatoes pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal and create a balanced, delicious dining experience:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli for a healthy, colorful side.
- A warm slice of garlic bread or a fresh dinner roll for a complete comfort food experience.
Recipe Card
Here’s everything you’ll need to know to create this delicious Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes at home:
Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef 450g
- 4 medium-sized Potatoes thinly sliced
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 1 Clove garlic minced
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbs Salt
- ½ tbs Black pepper
- ½ tbs Paprika optional
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully liquefied. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Gradually add the beef broth and milk, whisking until smooth. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Assemble the Casserole: In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Evenly spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the layer of potatoes, ensuring full coverage. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and sauce, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Your free plan comes with 100 prompts per month. Your next refill is in 25 days. To get more prompts, upgrade to Pro.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- You can swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a combination of your favorite cheeses for a flavor twist.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I freeze ground beef casserole?
Absolutely. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely after baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
3. Can I add cheese on top after baking?
Yes! If you prefer extra cheesy goodness, you can sprinkle more cheese on top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking or right after removing it from the oven.
Related Recipes
If you love this ground beef casserole with potatoes, here are some other comforting casserole recipes you might enjoy:
- Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Beef and Noodle Casserole
- Tater Tot Casserole
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about a dish like ground beef casserole with potatoes. It’s the kind of meal that brings family and friends together, satisfying even the hungriest of appetites. With its easy preparation, budget-friendly ingredients, and rich, comforting flavors, this casserole is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking it for a weeknight dinner or taking it to a potluck, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and see for yourself!