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- 1 lb ground beef - 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded The ground beef is the star here. It gives the casserole its rich flavor and hearty feel. I always choose a good quality beef for the best result. Potatoes add that comforting base. Use russet potatoes for their fluffiness. The cheeses bring creaminess and taste. Cheddar adds sharpness, while mozzarella gives that lovely stretch. - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste Onion and garlic are essential for depth. They create a savory base that wakes up the flavors. I prefer finely chopping the onion for even cooking. Paprika brings warmth and a hint of smokiness. Oregano adds a fresh, herbal note. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. This will enhance the overall taste. - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup beef broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil Sour cream adds creaminess and tang. It balances the richness of the cheese and beef. Beef broth gives moisture and depth. I always choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels. Olive oil is key for sautéing. It helps cook the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key. A hot oven ensures even cooking for your casserole. Sautéing Onion and Garlic In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir them until the onions turn soft and clear. This mix adds great flavor to the beef. Browning the Beef Now, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook until it turns brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if you see it. Seasoning the Mixture As the beef cooks, season it with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure every bite has rich flavor. Layering Potatoes and Beef In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, start with half of the 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, thinly sliced. Spread these evenly at the bottom. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Next, layer half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Adding the Sauces and Cheeses In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream and 1 cup of beef broth. Mix until smooth. Pour half of this mixture over the beef. Then, sprinkle half of the 1 cup of cheddar cheese and half of the 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheeses. Finish with the rest of the cheese on top for that gooey finish. Ensuring Tender Potatoes To get tender potatoes, slice them thinly. Thin slices cook faster and absorb flavors better. You can soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to help remove excess starch. This step keeps them from turning mushy. Tips for Cheesy Texture For that creamy, cheesy goodness, mix both cheddar and mozzarella. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor, while mozzarella adds stretchiness. Layer the cheese between the potato and meat layers. This keeps it rich and melty. Adjusting Baking Times Baking times can change based on your oven. If your casserole is not bubbling after 30 minutes, check it. The potatoes should be fork-tender. You can cover it with foil if it browns too fast. Using a Thermometer Using a thermometer can help you check the doneness. The internal temp should reach 160°F (71°C) for the beef to be safe. This ensures your meal is not just tasty, but safe to eat. Garnishing Ideas Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Sprinkle it on just before serving. You can also use chives or green onions for a nice crunch. Serving Suggestions Serve the casserole with a simple salad. A light green salad pairs well with the cheesy richness. You can also offer crusty bread for a comforting meal. Pro Tips Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for casseroles due to their high starch content, which helps achieve a fluffy texture. Layering for Flavor: Ensure you layer the ingredients evenly to allow the flavors to meld beautifully throughout the casserole. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or gouda, for a unique twist on the traditional flavor. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. {{image_2}} Alternative Proteins You can swap ground beef for other meats. Ground turkey or chicken works well. If you want to keep it light, try using ground lamb. For a plant-based option, use lentils or crumbled tempeh. Dairy-Free Options If you're dairy-free, consider using cashew cream instead of sour cream. For cheese, look for dairy-free shreds made from nuts or soy. This keeps the dish creamy without the dairy. Gluten-Free Adaptations This casserole is easy to make gluten-free. Just ensure that your broth and any cheese used are gluten-free. Always check labels to be safe. Vegetarian or Vegan Versions For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add more veggies. You can use mushrooms and bell peppers. To make it vegan, replace sour cream with a plant-based option and use vegan cheese. Adding Vegetables You can add veggies for more flavor and nutrients. Consider adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just chop them small so they mix well. Spicing It Up If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also change the seasonings to suit your taste. Try adding cumin or chili powder for a different twist. Refrigeration Guidelines Let your casserole cool down first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in your fridge for up to three days. This keeps it fresh and tasty for later meals. Freezing the Casserole If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. This way, you always have a quick meal ready. Best Methods for Reheating When it’s time to eat, you can reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes. In the microwave, heat individual portions for about 2-3 minutes. Make sure each piece is hot all the way through. Maintaining Cheese Consistency To keep the cheese creamy and melty, avoid overheating. When using the microwave, stir the casserole halfway through. This helps heat it evenly. How Long Can It Last? When stored in the fridge, your Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole lasts for about three days. If frozen, it stays good for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Signs of Spoilage Look for changes in color or smell. If it smells sour or has a strange texture, it’s best to throw it away. Trust your senses to keep you safe! You can prepare this casserole a day early. Start by cooking the ground beef and onions as usual. After mixing in the seasonings, let it cool. Layer the casserole in a dish, but do not bake it yet. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time. This way, you save time and still enjoy a warm, cheesy meal. Yes, you can mix and match different cheeses! Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but you can try others. Here are some great combinations: - Gouda for a smoky flavor - Monterey Jack for extra creaminess - Pepper Jack for a spicy kick Experiment with your favorite cheeses to find a taste you love! This casserole is filling, so simple sides work best. Here are some tasty options: - A fresh green salad with vinaigrette - Steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch - Garlic bread for extra flavor These sides add balance and make your meal even more enjoyable. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole. We explored key ingredients, like ground beef and potatoes, and highlighted important techniques, such as sautéing onions and browning beef. You learned handy tips for cooking and presenting your dish. Plus, I shared variations to fit different diets and preferences. Now, it's time to bake your casserole and enjoy! With these steps, you'll create a meal that's sure to please everyone.

Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole made with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, seasoning with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and beef broth; mix until smooth.
  • In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Season with a little salt and pepper.
  • Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the sour cream mixture and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, sour cream mixture, and finish with the rest of the cheese on top.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
  • Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Let the casserole sit before serving for better slicing.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheese, potato