Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Cooking often has a way of bringing back fond memories. In my family, Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole was a staple that graced our dinner table on many occasions. Each layer of seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and gooey cheese created a comforting meal that warmed our hearts as much as our bellies.

The simplicity of this casserole made it a favorite, especially during busy weeknights. It celebrates the magic that can happen when you combine everyday ingredients into something hearty and delicious. As we gathered around the table, this dish always sparked conversation and laughter, making it more than just food but a cherished moment with loved ones.

Running my kitchen today, I still turn to this delightful casserole. Its familiarity offers a comforting touch to our hectic lives. The process of layering these key elements not only makes for easy cooking but also results in a meal that everyone can enjoy. With the enchanting aroma wafting through the house, my family knows that a special treat is on its way—one that continues the tradition of bringing us together over a shared love for good food.

Let’s dive into crafting this heartwarming Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole, exploring its fundamentals, techniques, and tips for the perfect family dinner.

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Fundamentals

At its core, a well-made Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole excels with just a few ingredients. Ground beef provides a savory foundation, while potatoes add substance. Complementing these are creamy elements like soup and milk that bind everything together. Topping it off with shredded cheese not only enriches the flavor but also creates that gooey, irresistible topping we crave.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can adjust ingredients to match your preferences or what you have on hand. Utilizing different types of cheese can significantly change the flavor profile, allowing you to experiment while sticking to the basic premise of the casserole.

Preparation/setup

Preparing your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is straightforward and requires minimal effort. First, gather all your ingredients. This dish typically requires 1 pound of ground beef, 4 medium sliced potatoes, 1 diced onion, 2 cups of shredded cheese, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of milk, and olive oil for cooking. Don’t forget salt and pepper to suit your taste.

As you prepare, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the casserole to cook evenly, melding the flavors beautifully while achieving that gooey cheese consistency on top.

Ingredients

1. 1 pound ground beef – The star protein of your dish.
2. 4 medium potatoes, sliced – Offers a hearty base.
3. 1 onion, diced – Adds flavor and aroma.
4. 2 cups shredded cheese – Cheddar or any cheese of choice; it enhances taste and texture.
5. 1 can cream of mushroom soup – Provides creaminess and depth of flavor.
6. 1 cup milk – Ensures the casserole stays moist.
7. Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
8. Olive oil for cooking – A must for sautéing your onions and beef.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir until well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish for even cooking.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Remove the foil, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Variations

Technique

Mastering the technique for a stellar Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is essential. Start by ensuring your ground beef is well-browned; this creates depth in flavor throughout the dish. Cooking your onions until translucent before mixing with the beef ensures that their sweetness develops fully, enriching the overall taste.

Layering your ingredients properly also plays a vital role. Placing the sliced potatoes in an even layer ensures they cook thoroughly. The creamy filling enveloping them helps with softness while baking.

Tips/tricks

To elevate your casserole, consider these tips and tricks. Use a mix of different cheeses for a broader flavor profile. Experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness, or add a hint of pepper jack for a mild kick.

For those who prefer a more textured topping, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter. This adds an appealing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft layers of the casserole.

Cooking your casserole uncovered for the last 15 minutes lets the cheese bubble and brown, creating that gorgeous golden layer that’s visually appealing.

Perfecting Results

Perfecting results

Perfecting your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole ensures consistent delight over the dinner table. Start with high-quality beef and cheese, as these elements significantly impact flavor and texture. Adjust the amount of soup and milk to find your preferred creaminess level; too little may dry it out, while too much can make it soupy.

Choose potatoes that hold their shape during cooking. Varieties such as Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes work well, maintaining a pleasant texture as they bake.

Troubleshooting/variations

When making your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole, you might encounter a few issues. For instance, if your casserole doesn’t seem to be cooking evenly, increase the baking time slightly or check if your oven temperature is accurate.

If you find the potatoes aren’t tender enough after baking, consider parboiling them briefly before layering them into your casserole. This ensures that they soften through baking without waiting too long.

For variations, explore adding vegetables like peas or carrots to enhance the nutrition and flavor of your dish. However, ensure they are cut small enough to cook thoroughly in the allotted time.

Serving and Storage

Serving/presentation

Presenting your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole can be as simple or fancy as you desire. Allow the casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven, as this helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a colorful finish, brightening up the rich tones of the casserole. Serve it hot, and watch as plates get filled with scoops of this comfort food classic.

Pairings/storage

For pairings, consider serving your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole alongside a fresh green salad. The crispness of the salad enhances the rich flavors of the casserole, making for a well-rounded dinner.

For storage, refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a sprinkle of cheese on top to restore that gooey goodness we love. You can also freeze portions if needed, making it easy to enjoy this comforting dish later.

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and nostalgia, ensuring it remains a treasured recipe in your culinary repertoire. With these tips and techniques, you’ll masterably create a dish that delights the whole family. Indulge in the comfort of home-cooked goodness, and enjoy every flavorful bite of this casserole masterpiece.

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole layered with seasoned beef, creamy potatoes, and gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or choice)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with sliced potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir until well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish for even cooking.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Remove the foil, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Notes

Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to make serving easier. Garnish with fresh herbs for color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, beef, cheese, potatoes