Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Creating hearty, comforting meals that bring loved ones together warms the heart. Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole stands out as a dish filled with nostalgia and deliciousness. Growing up, my family often gathered around the table for meals that featured ground beef and potatoes. This combination not only felt familiar but also packed a punch of flavor and satisfaction.

This casserole takes the best of those memories and transforms them into a simple yet delectable dish. Rich, creamy soup complements the savory ground beef and generous amounts of cheesy goodness. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this casserole becomes a go-to option for anyone looking to whip up a satisfying meal.

As you prepare this dish, you’ll find that the aromas of melting cheese and savory beef create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for family dinner or meal prep. Let’s delve into making this delightful casserole, and you’ll soon see how easy it is to make this household favorite.

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Fundamentals

Preparation/Setup

Before diving into the cooking, gather all your ingredients. Start by ensuring you have a 9×13 baking dish ready. Preheating your oven to 350°F sets the stage for perfectly baked goodness. Greasing the baking dish helps prevent sticking, ensuring that your delicious casserole comes out in one easy-to-serve piece.

With your oven hot and the baking dish prepared, the next step is to cook your ground beef. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Chop the ground beef into smaller pieces and allow it to brown thoroughly. This step enhances the flavor as the meat caramelizes and releases its natural juices. Once the beef turns a lovely brown color, season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices you enjoy.

Ingredients

The key to this casserole lies in its simple and straightforward ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (28oz) bag frozen cubed potatoes with onions & peppers
• 1 (10.5oz) can cheddar cheese soup
• 1 (10.5oz) can cream of celery soup (or mushroom)
• 2+ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Seasoning to taste

These ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a rich, cheesy, and savory dish that satisfies hunger and brings warmth to the table.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease your 9×13 baking dish.
2. In your skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef until it loses its pink color. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your seasonings of choice. Remove excess grease with a paper towel.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, frozen cubed potatoes, both cans of soup, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. At this point, you can add any additional seasoning, but remember that the soup already adds some saltiness.
4. Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
5. Top with the remaining shredded cheese. Feel free to use as much cheese as your heart desires.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown. If you want a bubbly crust, feel free to turn on the broiler for the last few minutes of baking.

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Tips and Techniques

Technique

Achieving the perfect casserole requires a few techniques that elevate this dish. The key lies in how you brown the ground beef. Aim for a nice sear without overcrowding the pan. This method locks in flavor and ensures a more robust taste throughout the casserole.

The choice of frozen cubed potatoes with onions and peppers adds not only convenience but also incredible flavor and texture. As they cook, they absorb the flavors of the beef and soups, enhancing the overall dish.

Tips/Tricks

A few handy tips can make this casserole even better. Firstly, if you want extra flavor, consider adding your favorite seasonings or herbs to the beef while it cooks. Incorporating something like paprika or Italian seasoning can add an unexpected zing.

If you’re preparing this dish for a gathering or family meal, consider making it a day ahead and letting the flavors meld in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, simply pop it in the oven until heated through.

You can also customize the cheese to fit your taste preferences. Mixing in pepper jack cheese or mozzarella with the cheddar can create a fantastic flavor variation.

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Variations and Perfecting Results

Perfecting Results

To ensure you achieve the best results with your casserole, consider the consistency of the filling. If it feels too thick, adding a splash of milk can loosen it up, creating a creamier dish. If it’s too runny, cook it a little longer uncovered at the end to help evaporate excess moisture.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If you encounter uneven cooking, check that your oven is heating as it should. Rotate the dish halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. For variations, try adding cooked vegetables like green beans or corn to the mix. This offers not just taste but also pushes in more nutrition.

Feeling adventurous? Substitute the cheddar cheese soup with a spicy or herbed version for an exciting kick to the casserole. This dish is versatile enough to accommodate various flavors!

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Serving and Storage

Serving/Presentation

Serving this casserole is as simple as slicing it into squares. Each piece reveals layers of flavor and gooey cheese that everyone will adore. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for added color and freshness.

Your family will surely appreciate the comforting warmth of this cheesy ground beef and potato casserole. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Pairings/Storage

For enjoyable pairings, consider crusty garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, or steamed veggies. As for storage, leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy again.

Never forget to check if it’s heated through before serving! This casserole remains delicious even as leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Creating a Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole not only brings comfort to the table but also offers ease and adaptability, ensuring that anyone can take part in the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. The combination of familiar flavors and simple preparation makes this dish a timeless classic in any kitchen.

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and comforting casserole made with ground beef, frozen potatoes, and creamy cheese soups, perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (28oz) bag frozen cubed potatoes with onions & peppers
• 1 (10.5oz) can cheddar cheese soup
• 1 (10.5oz) can cream of celery soup (or mushroom)
• 2+ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Seasoning to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other desired spices.
3. Remove excess grease from the beef.
4. In a bowl, combine the cooked beef, frozen cubed potatoes, both cans of soup, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
5. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown. Optionally, broil for a few minutes for a bubbly crust.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or spices while cooking the beef. Customize the cheese for different flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, cheesy, potatoes, comfort food