Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring savory ground beef nestled between creamy layers of baked potatoes and topped with a rich, cheesy sauce. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for a family meal or potluck.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mandoline slicer (optional)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 85/15
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange the potato slices over the ground beef, overlapping them slightly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes.
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
To prevent soggy potatoes, ensure they are thinly sliced. A mandoline slicer can be helpful. A dash of Worcestershire sauce in the ground beef mixture adds umami. Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the ground beef. For an extra creamy potato layer, use heavy cream instead of milk. Casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. It can be frozen for up to 3 months after baking.