Craving a dinner that hits all the right notes? Look no further than Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole. This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a quick, healthy, and utterly flavorful dish that will become a family favorite. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, and leaves them wanting more. Trust me, this is comfort food done right!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, my grandma used to make simple yet incredibly comforting potato casseroles. There was something so special about the way she combined these humble ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal. This recipe is my modern take on her classic, designed to bring the comforting flavors of childhood to your table, even on the busiest weeknights. It’s a tribute to her memory, and I hope it brings the same joy to your family that her cooking brought to mine. Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole evokes those wonderful memories with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Layer:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Potato Layer:
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prepare the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Potatoes: While the beef is simmering, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the potato mixture evenly. Top with the entire beef mixture. Then, spread the remaining potato mixture over the beef.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If you want, stir sour cream into the cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole!
Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.1 pound ground beef, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 8 ounces tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, to taste salt and pepper
- While the beef is simmering, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well.6 medium potatoes, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup butter, to taste salt and pepper
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the potato mixture evenly. Top with the entire beef mixture. Then, spread the remaining potato mixture over the beef.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If you want, stir sour cream into the cheese.2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup sour cream
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole!