Description
This hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole combines tender sliced Yukon Gold potatoes with savory seasoned ground beef, layered and baked with creamy cheddar cheese for a comforting and satisfying family meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this one-dish casserole offers rich flavors, tender textures, and an easy stovetop-to-oven preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Dried herbs (thyme or rosemary)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to develop flavor.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Potato Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes with whole milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper; toss well to coat all slices evenly. Optionally, mix in dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
- Assemble Casserole Layers: Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the potato mixture on the bottom, then spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potato mixture and then the remaining beef on top.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of beef to create a cheesy crust after baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and potatoes are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to settle layers. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Using Yukon Gold potatoes provides a creamy texture and holds shape well during baking.
- Make sure to slice potatoes thinly to ensure they cook fully within the baking time.
- Feel free to substitute whole milk with a lower-fat milk if desired, but this may slightly affect creaminess.
- Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary complement the flavors but are optional.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking uncovered—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- For added vegetables, consider layering sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms with the beef.
