Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole featuring tender diced potatoes, flavorful ground beef seasoned with herbs and spices, creamy sour cream, and a melted cheddar cheese topping. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
Vegetables
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Oils
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spices
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 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 to ensure even cooking. Chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves finely to release maximum flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes, to build the flavor base.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics. Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook the beef thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir well, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes. This melds the flavors and adds moisture to the filling. Then remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine with Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the cooked ground beef mixture. Fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well incorporated, creating a creamy filling.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook through and flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly for optimal texture before serving.
Notes
- Using diced potatoes instead of sliced helps them cook evenly and blend well with the beef mixture.
- Sour cream adds creaminess and tang; for a lighter version, you can substitute with Greek yogurt.
- Covering the casserole while baking prevents the potatoes from drying out.
- Feel free to add vegetables like diced carrots or peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: ground beef casserole, potato casserole, beef and potatoes, cheesy beef casserole, easy family dinner