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Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

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3.8 from 29 reviews

A hearty and comforting Ground Beef and Potato Casserole featuring layers of tender sliced potatoes and savory seasoned ground beef, baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. This classic casserole is perfect for a family dinner, combining simple ingredients with rich flavors and a creamy beef gravy.

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Beef Mixture

  • 2 tablespoons (28g) butter or cooking oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (1g) fresh thyme, minced
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) bouillon powder (or substitute with salt)
  • 1 teaspoon (2-3g) ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) paprika
  • 1 teaspoon (1-2g) oregano
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) flour
  • 1 cup (236ml) beef broth
  • ½ cup (118ml) milk

Topping

  • 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the casserole cooks evenly once assembled.
  2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes thinly and as evenly as possible to allow them to cook uniformly within the casserole layers.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh thyme, cooking until the onion turns translucent and garlic is fragrant, releasing their flavors into the butter.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart into small crumbles. Season with salt, pepper, bouillon powder, oregano, and paprika. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.
  5. Incorporate Flour: Drain excess fat from the skillet. Sprinkle flour over the cooked beef mixture, stir well, and cook for about a minute to toast the flour, which will help thicken the sauce.
  6. Add Liquids: Gradually stir in beef broth and milk, continuing to cook and stir until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency, coating the beef evenly.
  7. Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, then spread half of the beef mixture evenly over them. Repeat layering with remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
  8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork.
  9. Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden.
  10. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

  • For best results, slice potatoes evenly using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure uniform cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a bit more flour or cook the sauce slightly longer before assembling.
  • You can substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite melting cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the beef.