Description
This Creamy Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender ground beef sautéed with aromatic onions and garlic, rich sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese mixed with diced potatoes. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a satisfying one-dish meal that brings warmth and flavor to your table.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
Vegetables
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Oils
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole later.
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes for uniform cooking. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to release full flavors.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season it with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook the meat thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together fully. Then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Combine with Potatoes: Transfer the diced potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the beef mixture to the bowl along with the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Fold everything together gently until well incorporated.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Spread the combined beef and potato mixture evenly in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the potatoes through and meld the flavors.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, golden, and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and enhances the texture.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are diced evenly for consistent cooking.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with any cheese of your choice, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- For added flavor, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if preferred.
