BEST CHEESY GROUND BEEF POTATO CASSEROLE

Imagine the comforting aroma of savory ground beef mingling with tender potatoes and a blanket of melted cheese, all bubbling together in one glorious dish. This Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole is pure comfort food, simple enough for a weeknight meal but satisfying enough to become a family favorite; trust me, you’re going to love making and eating this!

The Heart of the Matter: Ingredients

Okay, friend, let’s gather our supplies! Don’t worry if you need to make a substitution or two; we’re all about making it work in the kitchen. This is a super adaptable *Potato And Ground Beef Casserole Recipes*.

Main Ingredients

• Ground Beef: 1.5 pounds, lean (80/20 or 90/10 work great)
• Potatoes: 5 medium, peeled and diced (Russet or Yukon Gold are fantastic)
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (sharp or mild, your choice!)
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can
• Milk: 1/2 cup
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon

Spices and Seasonings

• Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for color)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, apron on? Let’s do this! I’ll walk you through each step. We’re aiming for a perfect *Ground Beef Potato Onion Casserole*.

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. We want them to cook evenly.
3. Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but not mushy. We’re parboiling them here, which helps them cook evenly in the casserole. Drain well.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. While the potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. In the skillet with the ground beef and onion mixture, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
2. Mix everything together until well combined and heated through. This is the creamy, dreamy base of our casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread half of the cooked potatoes evenly in the bottom of the dish.
3. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, making sure to spread it evenly.
4. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Repeat layers: remaining potatoes, ground beef mixture, and cheddar cheese. We want cheese in every bite!

Step 5: Bake it to Golden Perfection

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
4. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit and makes it easier to slice.

Tips and Tricks for Casserole Success

Let’s talk about some ways to make this Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole even *better* – and some solutions to common casserole conundrums! We want that perfect *Ground Beef Potato Cheese Casserole*.

Potato Perfection

• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Remember, we’re parboiling them, not making mashed potatoes. They should still have a little bite to them when you drain them.
• Even Dice: Try to dice the potatoes into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Unevenly sized pieces can lead to some potatoes being mushy while others are still hard.
• Potato Variety: While Russets and Yukon Golds are great, you could also use red potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Beefing Up Your Beef

• Browning is Key: Don’t skip the browning step! It adds so much flavor to the ground beef.
• Lean Beef: Using lean ground beef helps prevent a greasy casserole. If you’re using a higher fat content, be sure to drain off the excess grease thoroughly.
• Seasoning Power: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A little extra garlic powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.

Cheesy Choices

• Cheese Variety: Cheddar is a classic, but you could also use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even add some pepper jack for a little spice.
• Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. If possible, shred your own cheese for the best results.
• Cheese Placement: Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed across the top of the casserole so you get cheesy goodness in every bite.

Soup-erb Substitutions

• Cream of Mushroom Alternative: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup. You can also make your own cream sauce from scratch!
• Healthier Option: For a lighter casserole, you can use a reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup and light sour cream.

Preventing a Soggy Casserole

• Drain Everything: Make sure you drain the potatoes and ground beef thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Using the right size baking dish is important. If the dish is too small, the casserole will be too crowded and may not cook evenly.
• Rest Time: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows it to set up and prevents it from being too runny when you slice it.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Feeling adventurous? Let’s explore some ways to customize this Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole to your liking.

• Add Veggies: Stir in some frozen mixed vegetables, peas, or corn to the ground beef mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies for a Southwestern twist.
• Top it Off: Sprinkle some crushed crackers or French-fried onions on top of the casserole before baking for added crunch.
• Use Sweet Potatoes: Swap out some of the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter and more colorful dish.
• Bacon Bits: Everything is better with bacon! Sprinkle cooked bacon bits on top of the casserole before serving.
• Leftover Makeover: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover cooked ground beef or mashed potatoes.

If you’re a fan of cheesy casseroles, you might also enjoy my Creamy Tater Tot Casserole. And for another delicious potato dish, you should definitely try Garlic Cheddar Potato Heaven – it’s truly heavenly! If you have ground beef on hand, be sure to make a Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup or Cheeseburger Soup Recipe!

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious accompaniments.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a cool and tangy element to the meal.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to add a little extra cheese on top before reheating to freshen it up.

If you love potatoes, don’t forget to check out my Cheesy Mashed Potato Perfection recipe!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – the ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole recipe! I hope you enjoy making and eating this comforting and satisfying dish as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be fun and relaxing, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, my friend! Also, if you enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness, try my Creamy Potato Soup.