Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole: A Cozy, Comforting Dish
As the leaves start to turn and a chill begins to fill the air, I find myself daydreaming about warm, comforting meals that make my heart feel as cozy as a snug blanket on a chilly evening. There’s something so nostalgic about a hearty casserole bubbling away in the oven, filling the kitchen with its mouthwatering aroma. One recipe that always brings me back to my childhood is my Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole — a delightful dish that’s perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or lazy weekends. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, evoking feelings of home and hearth. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family gatherings or quiet weeknight dinners.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings, bringing an easy weeknight dinner to your table in no time.
- Comforting and Hearty: Layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese create a heartwarming meal.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors with herbs or toppings to suit your family’s preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole can be prepared in advance, saving you precious time during those hectic evenings.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs (like thyme or oregano)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s Make It Together:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- In a large casserole dish, layer the sliced potatoes, the cooked ground beef mixture, and sprinkle cheese between layers.
- Pour beef broth over the top and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Delicious Variations to Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are countless ways to customize your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole to suit your tastes:
- Zesty Southwest Twist: Add black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers for a lively southwestern flair, topped with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Herb-Infused Delight: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley or sprinkle dried Italian seasoning for a fragrant, savory touch.
- Creamy Mushroom Addition: Toss in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor that adds a lovely depth to the dish.
- Crispy Topping: For added crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the top during the last baking stage.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: You can assemble this casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Potato Slicing: For evenly cooked potatoes, aim for uniform slices about 1/4 inch thick. A mandoline slicer can help with this if you have one!
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or reheats.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 650mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader FAQs About Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken, use sweet potatoes, or mix in your favorite vegetables.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? When stored properly in the fridge, this casserole lasts for about 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is truly a creation that warms the soul and fills the stomach. As the comforting aroma wafts through your home, and the first bite brings that nostalgic rush of warmth, you’ll see why this dish is so special. It’s perfect for gathering around the dinner table, sharing stories, and enjoying cozy moments. Save this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and hearty casserole made with layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs (like thyme or oregano)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- In a large casserole dish, layer the sliced potatoes, the cooked ground beef mixture, and sprinkle cheese between layers.
- Pour beef broth over the top and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make-ahead advice: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, family recipe, ground beef, potatoes, cheesy