Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Get ready for a dish that’s sure to bring smiles to your family gatherings: Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole! This sumptuous casserole boasts a crispy top layer, rich with melted cheese, and a savory beef-and-potato filling that makes every bite an explosion of flavor. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms your heart and tummy, reminiscent of cozy winter evenings spent surrounded by loved ones.

Did you know that casseroles date back to the early 19th century? They were originally named after the dish they were cooked in—often a deep, heavy dish called a “casserole”—and quickly became a staple in American kitchens. The beauty of our Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole lies in its simplicity; it contains ingredients that most of us already have on hand. If you’ve enjoyed my other recipes, like the delightful Chicken and Rice Bake, you’ll find this casserole equally irresistible!

What is Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole?

So, what’s in a name, you ask? Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is exactly what it sounds like, but with a twist only home cooks can appreciate. It’s the dish that proves the old saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Picture this: a warm, bubbling treasure of ground beef, tender potatoes, and a cheesy lid that beckons you to indulge. As you dig in, you can’t help but wonder if someone patented the idea of deliciousness! Why not gather the ingredients and start your adventure? You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

First off, the Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole truly shines as a main dish; it’s filling enough to serve as the star of your dining table. The combination of seasoned beef and creamy potatoes creates a mouthwatering experience that could rival any takeout. Plus, cooking this delightful dish at home is a fantastic way to save on meals—perfect for a budget-friendly family evening.

Now, let’s talk about that cheesy topping. Picture a golden crust with gooey cheese melting into every crevice. If you’ve ever enjoyed a classic Shepherd’s Pie, you’ll appreciate how this casserole brings its own cheesy flair to the table. This dish not only fills bellies but also warms hearts, making it the ideal choice for any family gathering. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Quick Overview

Making this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is as effortless as it is satisfying. The layers of creamy potatoes and flavorful beef meld beautifully in the oven, creating an irresistible texture and flavor combination. This dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time followed by 45 minutes in the oven, allowing you to whip up a hearty meal with minimal effort.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

• 1 pound ground beef (Halal)
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade variant)
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk, stirring until smooth.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start layering your casserole: First, a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a layer of ground beef mixture, and then a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes topped with cheese.
6. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the top, covering all potatoes.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy goodness!

Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

• Substitutes: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey, maintaining that heavenly flavor while keeping it Halal.
• Timing: Let the baked casserole rest for about 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier serving.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skip the foil covering initially! This traps steam and allows the potatoes to tenderize properly. Afterward, letting it brown uncovered gives you that beautiful top layer.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is great for meal prep! You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. If frozen, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Now that you know how to create this wholesome Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, why not gather your ingredients and try it out? Your family deserves a hearty meal, and this dish is sure to delight all who gather around the table. Enjoy!

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

A delicious casserole featuring layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy cheese topping, perfect for family gatherings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole

• 1 pound ground beef (Halal)
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup or homemade variant
• 1 cup milk
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk, stirring until smooth.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start layering your casserole: First, a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a layer of ground beef mixture, and then a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes topped with cheese.
6. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the top, covering all potatoes.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy goodness!

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for better serving. Cover with foil while baking to ensure even cooking.