Nothing says home-cooked goodness quite like the Ultimate Ground Beef & Potato Casserole – Comfort in a Dish. This hearty meal combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with tender, golden potatoes, all baked together under a blanket of melty cheese. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager for a taste of warmth and satisfaction, making it a staple among easy dinner recipes.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this casserole is a go-to for anyone looking to whip up a filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for leftovers, this ground beef and potatoes dish delivers on flavor and simplicity. It’s no wonder this recipe often tops the list of favorite family dinner ideas.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to create this comforting classic. From the essential ingredients to step-by-step instructions, you’ll have all the tools to master one of the best ground beef recipes out there. Let’s dive into the details of crafting this delicious ground beef potato casserole!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
What You’ll Need
To bring this ground beef potato casserole to life, you’ll need a handful of everyday ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. The ground beef serves as the hearty base, providing rich, savory notes that anchor the dish. Potatoes, sliced or diced, add a tender, starchy component that balances the meat’s intensity while absorbing the seasonings.
Onions and garlic elevate the aroma and taste, while a blend of spices like paprika and thyme infuses the casserole with warmth. A creamy element, such as sour cream or a cheese sauce, binds everything together, ensuring each bite is moist and indulgent. Finally, a generous topping of shredded cheese melts into a golden crust, adding that irresistible finishing touch to one of the best fast dinner recipes.
Getting ready to assemble the Ultimate Ground Beef & Potato Casserole!
INGREDIENTS
- – 1 lb ground beef
- – 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- – 1 medium onion, diced
- – 2 cloves garlic, minced
- – 1 cup sour cream
- – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- – 1 tsp paprika
- – 1 tsp dried thyme
- – 1/2 tsp salt
- – 1/4 tsp black pepper
- – 2 tbsp olive oil
PREPARATION
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Brown the meat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the beef mixture with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sour cream until well combined, then remove from heat.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and another 1/2 cup of cheese. Top with an additional handful of cheese for a crispy, golden finish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting family dinner dish hot from the oven!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 480mg
Why Choose Ground Beef for Casseroles?
Ground beef is a versatile and budget-friendly protein that shines in dishes like this ground beef potato casserole. Its crumbly texture mixes effortlessly with other ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavor. Plus, it cooks quickly, making it ideal for fast dinner recipes when time is of the essence.
The Role of Potatoes in Comfort Food
Potatoes are the ultimate comfort ingredient in ground beef and potatoes recipes. They provide a hearty, filling base that pairs beautifully with meaty flavors. Whether sliced, diced, or mashed, potatoes soak up seasonings and add a satisfying bite to every forkful.
Customizing Your Casserole
One of the joys of making a ground beef potato casserole is its adaptability. Swap cheddar for mozzarella, toss in veggies like peas or carrots, or spice it up with chili flakes. This dish can easily fit into your list of personalized easy dinner recipes.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Potatoes
To ensure your potatoes cook evenly, slice them thinly and uniformly. If you’re short on time, parboil them for 5 minutes before layering. This trick guarantees tender potatoes in every bite of your family dinner casserole.
Make-Ahead and Storage Ideas
This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions for a Balanced Meal
Pair your ground beef potato casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli to round out the meal. A slice of crusty bread on the side also works wonders for soaking up any creamy goodness, making it a complete family dinner experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is the star of this ground beef recipes dish, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that leaner meats might require a bit more oil during cooking to prevent dryness.
How Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include flour or breadcrumbs. Just double-check that any seasonings or packaged ingredients you use are certified gluten-free to ensure it fits into a restricted diet while still being one of your go-to easy dinner recipes.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, this ground beef potato casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?
If sour cream isn’t on hand, you can use Greek yogurt or even cream cheese as a substitute in this ground beef and potatoes recipe. Both options will provide a similar creamy texture, though the flavor might be slightly tangier or richer depending on your choice.
Savor the comforting layers of this hearty casserole tonight!
Conclusion
The Ultimate Ground Beef & Potato Casserole – Comfort in a Dish is more than just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate. With its simple preparation, affordable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s no surprise this dish ranks high among fast dinner recipes and family dinner favorites. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this casserole offers a foolproof way to bring warmth to your table.
Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat your loved ones to a hearty helping of comfort food. Don’t forget to explore more ground beef recipes and other easy dinner recipes on our site at example.com for endless mealtime inspiration!
