GROUND BEEF POTATOES CASSEROLE AMAZING

Imagine layers of savory seasoned ground beef nestled between creamy, cheesy potatoes, all baked to golden-brown perfection. This Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole is comfort food at its finest, a one-dish wonder that satisfies even the heartiest appetites, and I promise, it’s way easier to make than you think!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Layer:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Potato Layer:

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray for this, it’s quick and easy!

Making the Ground Beef Layer:

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Don’t skip this step, nobody likes a greasy casserole!
4. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Preparing the Potato Layer:

5. In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated. If the soup is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach a good consistency.

Assembling the Casserole:

6. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Carefully arrange the potato mixture over the ground beef layer. Try to get an even layer so everything cooks uniformly.
8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potato layer. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s what makes this casserole extra delicious!

Baking the Casserole:

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. A good test is to poke a potato slice with a fork; if it goes in easily, it’s done.
10. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit and makes it easier to cut.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Casserole

Potato Perfection:

For the best results, slice your potatoes thinly and evenly. A mandoline slicer can be a lifesaver for this task, but be careful! If you don’t have one, just aim for consistent slices about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly.

Cheese Choices:

While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Gruyere, would be delicious. Consider a Colby Jack for extra meltiness!

Make-Ahead Magic:

This Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble it completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights!

Spice it Up:

If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture. Or, use a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies instead of plain tomato sauce. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture.

Customize Your Casserole:

Feel free to add other vegetables to the ground beef layer. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots would all be great additions. You could even add a layer of frozen peas or corn between the ground beef and potatoes.

Variations to Try

Healthier Options:

To make this casserole healthier, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup. Consider adding extra veggies to bulk it up and reduce the amount of ground beef needed.

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole:

Turn this into a loaded baked potato casserole by adding bacon bits, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on top after baking. This adds a ton of flavor and makes it even more indulgent!

Different Potatoes:

While russet potatoes are a classic choice, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture. Or, try using sweet potatoes for a sweeter, more nutritious casserole.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. A crisp green salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole. Green beans or broccoli are also great choices.

More Comfort Food Favorites

If you’re a fan of casseroles, you might also enjoy my Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole. It’s another easy and satisfying one-dish meal. Or how about a Taco Casserole Recipe for a fun and flavorful weeknight dinner? You could even try my Salisbury Steak Recipe if you’re looking for another comforting beef dish. For a kid-friendly option, check out my Baked Ground Beef Tacos or the Pizza Tot Casserole.

Troubleshooting Tips

Casserole Too Dry:

If your casserole seems dry while baking, you can add a little bit of milk or chicken broth to the dish. Cover the dish with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to help retain moisture.

Potatoes Not Cooking Through:

If your potatoes aren’t cooking through, make sure they’re sliced thinly enough. You can also parboil the potatoes for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole to help them cook faster. Alternatively, cover the casserole with foil during baking to trap the steam and help the potatoes cook more evenly.

Cheese Not Melting Properly:

If your cheese isn’t melting properly, make sure you’re using freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. You can also try broiling the casserole for a minute or two at the end of baking to help the cheese melt and brown.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the casserole from drying out, make sure the container is well-sealed.

Reheating:

You can reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option. To prevent the casserole from drying out during reheating, cover it with foil or a microwave-safe lid.

Enjoy Your Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole!

This Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole is truly a family favorite, and I’m confident it will become one of yours too. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a potluck with friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal! Happy cooking!