Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole (One-Pan Dinner!) 🥔🍖🧀
1. Introduction
Welcome to your new go-to easy dinner solution! The Beef Potato Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and simple dish that combines ground beef with tender potatoes and a cheesy topping, all cooked in one pan. This healthy ground beef recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited, yet you crave a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re searching for fast dinner recipes or a nutritious beef casserole recipe, this dish ticks all the boxes.
2. Ingredients for a Classic Beef Potato Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably healthy ground beef)
- 4 large potatoes, sliced thin
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For more beef recipes, check out our beef category for inspiration.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare the Best Beef and Potatoes Casserole
**Preparation of Ingredients**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare all ingredients beforehand for a smooth cooking process. Thinly slice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
**Cook the Ground Beef**
In a large skillet or Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
**Layer the Casserole**
In a baking dish, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly. Layer the sliced potatoes over the beef, overlapping slightly for even cooking. Pour sour cream over the potatoes, and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
**Bake to Perfection**
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
4. Storage and Reheating Tips
This beef casserole recipes is perfect for leftovers. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For extended storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months — just make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
5. Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For added flavor, sprinkle extra herbs such as thyme or rosemary before baking. If you want to make it even healthier, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or add some chopped spinach for more greens.
Looking for more flavorful beef casseroles? Try dishes like Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken or Crockpot Beef Stew for variety.
6. Tips for the Perfect Beef Potato Casserole
- Use thinly sliced potatoes for faster cooking and easier layering.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavors.
- Pre-cooking the ground beef saves time and enhances flavor.
- Wrap leftovers tightly to prevent freezer burn if freezing.
- Add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top for a crunchier crust.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best potatoes to use for this beef potato casserole?
Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture, as they cook evenly and become tender, making the casserole more flavorful.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to serve for an effortless dinner with ground beef.
Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?
This dish is carb-rich due to the potatoes, but you can try substituting the potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb variation.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both provides a tasty and melty topping. For a sharper flavor, try pepper jack or Monterey Jack.
8. Conclusion
Embrace the ease and heartiness of this beef casserole recipe that combines ground beef and potatoes in a cheesy, comforting dish. It’s a perfect example of easy dinners that don’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re tackling busy weeknights or feeding a hungry family, this dinner with ground beef will become a staple in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and sides to make it uniquely yours!
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Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole (One-Pan Dinner!)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Main Dish
Description
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, one-pan dinner that combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a melty cheese topping, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This easy-to-make casserole is ideal for busy weeknights and family dinners, offering a comforting combination of proteins and carbs in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably healthy ground beef)
- 4 large potatoes, sliced thin
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare all ingredients: thinly slice potatoes, chop onion, and mince garlic.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in a baking dish. Layer the sliced potatoes over the beef, overlapping slightly. Pour sour cream over the potatoes and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced potatoes for faster cooking and easy layering.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavors.
- You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- For a crunchier crust, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
