Introduction

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any night of the week. It combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a cheesy topping for a satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy.

The dish in a white bowl has a bottom layer of small golden roasted potato halves arranged around the edge. The middle layer is ground beef cooked with spices, scattered inside the circle of potatoes. On top, there is a mix of melted yellow and white shredded cheese spread over the meat. In the center, there is a round dollop of white sour cream, sprinkled with red seasoning and small green herb leaves. Small green herb leaves are also scattered across the whole dish for garnish. A silver fork rests on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface with a light gray cloth partially visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened.
Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked.
Step 5: Pour in beef broth and stir well, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well incorporated.
Step 7: Transfer the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Step 8: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.
Step 10: Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives before baking.
Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and added protein.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms sautéed with the onions for added vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring halfway. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The dish is a thick square slice with three main layers sitting on a white plate. The bottom layer is a soft, creamy base with a light beige color. The middle layer has browned ground beef mixed with small golden-brown crispy potato cubes, giving it a textured, chunky look. The top layer is covered with melted bright orange cheese, some browned and bubbly, scattered with more crispy potato cubes. A dollop of smooth white sour cream sits in the center, dusted lightly with red spice and garnished with small green herb sprigs. A silver fork is placed near the dish on the plate, and the background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes if preferred. Just keep in mind they may alter the texture slightly but still work well in this casserole.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole as directed up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake according to the instructions when ready.

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

A hearty and comforting Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole featuring tender diced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, all combined with creamy sour cream and melted cheddar cheese. This oven-baked dish is perfect for a family dinner, offering rich flavors and a satisfying cheesy topping.

Author: Izo
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 pound ground beef
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup sour cream

Vegetables

4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Oils

1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil

Spices

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Prepare Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the casserole.
Prepare Vegetables: Peel the russet potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes. Chop the medium yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves finely for even cooking and flavor release.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and softened, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics. Season it with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook while breaking up the meat with a spatula until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-9 minutes.
Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir well, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors together. Then remove the skillet from heat.
Combine with Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Add the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Fold gently until everything is well incorporated.
Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top of the mixture.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps to set the casserole for easier portioning and enhances the flavors.

Notes

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the mixture before baking.
For extra flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving.
You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon gold potatoes for a slightly different texture.
Use low-fat sour cream to reduce the calorie content if desired.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, potato casserole, baked casserole, cheesy beef casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe