Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep. This dish is not only easy to make but also budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples.
History
Casseroles have been a staple in home cooking for centuries. The concept of layering ingredients and baking them together originated in Europe and gained popularity in America during the 20th century. The combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese is reminiscent of classic comfort food dishes like Shepherd’s Pie and Scalloped Potatoes with a delicious, cheesy twist.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Casserole:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1½ cups heavy cream or milk
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Optional Additions:
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
• ½ cup sour cream (for creaminess)
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits (for extra flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned.
3. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Stir well.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
1. Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into small bite-sized cubes.
2. In a mixing bowl, toss the potatoes with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a little olive oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
1. Spread half of the diced potatoes evenly in the greased baking dish.
2. Layer half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
3. Sprinkle a portion of the shredded cheeses on top.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese.
5. Pour the heavy cream (or milk) evenly over the entire dish to add creaminess.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
• Pair with crusty garlic bread for an extra hearty meal.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for added flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Calcium: 20% of Daily Value
Health Benefits
1. Protein-Packed – The beef provides essential proteins for muscle growth and repair.
2. Energy-Rich Carbs – Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
3. Calcium Boost – Cheese adds calcium, which is great for bone health.
4. Iron & Vitamins – Ground beef is rich in iron and B vitamins, essential for red blood cell production.
Who Loves This Dish?
• Families – A kid-friendly meal that satisfies picky eaters.
• Comfort Food Lovers – Perfect for anyone craving a warm, cheesy, and filling meal.
• Meal Preppers – Great for batch cooking and reheats well for leftovers.
• Busy Home Cooks – Simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a go-to dinner option.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish will always be a winner. Try it out, and let the gooey, cheesy goodness bring warmth to your table!
Would you like some variations, such as a low-carb or vegetarian version?
