This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a warm and comforting meal that’s super simple to make! With layers of ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes, it’s a hearty treat.
Who doesn’t love a dish where cheese is the star? It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl. I often whip this up for busy weeknights, and it always brings smiles to the dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for its balance of fat and flavor. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, try using a meat substitute like lentils or textured vegetable protein.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes work great because they become tender during baking. If you prefer, you can substitute them with Yukon Golds for a creamier texture or sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to cheese. For a twist, you can mix in some Monterey Jack for extra creaminess or use mozzarella for a milder taste. If you’re watching dairy intake, try vegan cheese as a substitute.
Sour Cream: I love the tang it adds to the dish. You can replace it with Greek yogurt for a creamier consistency or use a dairy-free option like cashew cream for a healthier choice.
How Do You Make a Creamy Sauce Without Lumps?
Creating a smooth sauce in this casserole is easy if you follow a few tricks! First, sprinkle the flour evenly over the browned beef instead of dumping it all at once. This helps coat the meat without clumping.
- Stir well for a minute to cook out that raw flour flavor.
- Slowly pour in the broth and milk while constantly stirring. This makes sure everything mixes evenly.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, and don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning!
Following these steps will give you a velvety sauce that beautifully binds everything together in your casserole!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour to bake. You’ll spend a little time sautéing the beef and veg, then layering everything together. Plus, it gives you a delicious meal that the whole family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess fat from the pan.
3. Add Onions and Garlic:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook everything together for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and thyme, stirring well.
4. Make the Sauce:
Now, sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring to make sure it coats everything evenly. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth (or water) and milk, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stir in Cheese and Sour Cream:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and combines with the beef.
6. Layer in the Casserole:
Start layering by arranging half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Then, spread the creamy ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
7. Add More Potatoes:
Now, layer the remaining sliced potatoes on top of the beef mixture. This creates a hearty and delicious stack!
8. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the last cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. For added richness, dot the surface with small pieces of butter.
9. Bake:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. Serve:
Once done, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows everything to set nicely. Enjoy your easy, cheesy, and hearty ground beef and potato casserole!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as necessary since lean meats can cook faster.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you’re out of sour cream or want a healthier alternative, you can replace it with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. For a non-dairy option, try using plain cashew cream or coconut yogurt to maintain creaminess in the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance! Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. Just bake it for a little longer if it’s coming straight from the fridge, about 10-15 extra minutes should do the trick.
