Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

If you're searching for a comforting, hearty meal that will please the entire family, this Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is the perfect choice. Packed with layers of flavorful ground beef, tender potatoes, and cheesy goodness, this recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. In this article, you'll find a detailed guide to prepare this delicious casserole, from the ingredients to step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for serving, and common mistakes to avoid. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make this mouthwatering Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes! Be sure to read all the way through for extra tips and FAQs!

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What is Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes?

Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a layered dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, creamy sauces, sliced potatoes, and cheese, baked to perfection. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, and it can be customized with various ingredients and seasonings. The combination of tender potatoes and savory ground beef, all topped with a cheesy crust, makes it a satisfying meal that can be prepared ahead of time or made fresh.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes

Potatoes:

• 4 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and sliced: The foundation of this casserole is the russet potatoes. They're starchy and hold up well in a casserole without becoming too mushy.

Ground Beef:

• 1 lb Ground Beef: This gives the casserole its rich, savory flavor. You can substitute with lean ground beef, turkey, or even ground chicken for a healthier alternative.

Onion:

• 1 Onion, diced: Onions add a layer of sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.

Cream of Chicken Soup:

• 1 can (10 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup: This helps bind the ingredients together and adds a creamy texture. You could also substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.

Evaporated Milk:

• 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk contributes to the creaminess of the casserole without adding extra moisture. This helps prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

Milk:

• ½ cup Milk: Regular milk is used to create a smooth, creamy sauce that ties everything together.

Spices:

• 2 teaspoon Salt: To season the potatoes and beef.
• 1 teaspoon Pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth to the overall flavor.
• 2 teaspoon Onion Powder: Boosts the onion flavor throughout the dish.

Cheese:

• 4 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded: Cheddar cheese creates a beautiful golden crust on top of the casserole while adding a rich, sharp flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions you might want to try:

• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Add vegetables such as diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas to include more nutrients in the dish.
• Swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a sweeter, healthier alternative.
• Experiment with cheese – swap cheddar with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a different cheesy twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the casserole cooks evenly throughout.

2. Prepare the Potatoes:

Peel and slice the russet potatoes thinly (about ¼ inch thick). Set them aside in a bowl of water to prevent them from browning while you prep the other ingredients.

3. Cook the Ground Beef and Onions:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Add the diced onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Remove from heat.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef and potatoes. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and sauce.

6. Add Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, golden crust as the casserole bakes.

7. Bake the Casserole:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

8. Let it Rest:

Once fully baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

How to Cook Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep time: 20 minutes
2. Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
3. Total time: Approximately 2 hours

This casserole is fairly straightforward to make and doesn’t require much hands-on time beyond assembling and layering the ingredients. Make sure to follow the steps closely, and don’t rush the process of baking, as this ensures the potatoes will be fully cooked and tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not slicing the potatoes thinly enough: Thicker potato slices may take longer to cook, which could lead to uneven cooking. Stick to ¼-inch thickness for best results.
2. Forgetting to drain the ground beef: Extra grease in your casserole can make the dish oily and heavy. Always drain the beef after browning it.
3. Skipping the resting period: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set and prevents it from falling apart when you serve it. Don't skip this step!
4. Overcooking the casserole: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last 30 minutes to avoid burning the cheese topping.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate the experience with the right sides and presentation.

How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

• Pair with a green salad for a fresh contrast to the rich, hearty casserole.
• Serve with a crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
• Add a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Use a large serving spoon to dish out generous portions of the casserole, ensuring each serving gets a good balance of beef, potatoes, and cheese.
• Serve in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead of time: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
• Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, prepare the casserole up until the baking step, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Use a mandoline slicer for the potatoes: This ensures uniform slices, which is key to even cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of potatoes for this casserole?

Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes can be used in place of russet potatoes. However, russets provide a starchy base that holds up well during baking.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and refrigerate the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, or freeze it for up to 3 months before baking.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers are great additions that can add more flavor and nutrition.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the cheese on top should be bubbly and golden brown.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a classic dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have a delicious and hearty casserole ready to enjoy with family and friends. Whether you're cooking it fresh or making it ahead of time, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and enjoy this versatile dish to its fullest!

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