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Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

This hearty Ground Beef and Potato Casserole combines layers of thinly sliced potatoes and seasoned ground beef in a rich, cheesy sauce. Baked to perfection, it offers a comforting blend of flavors with a golden melted cheddar topping, making it a perfect family dinner option.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Meat and Seasoning

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon (6g) salt, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) bouillon powder (or substitute with salt)
  • 1 teaspoon (2-3g) ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) paprika
  • 1 teaspoon (1-2g) oregano
  • 1 teaspoon (1g) fresh thyme, minced

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Other

  • 2 tablespoons (28g) butter or cooking oil
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) flour
  • 1 cup (236ml) beef broth
  • ½ cup (118ml) milk
  • 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, ensuring the slices are as uniform in thickness as possible for even cooking.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and minced fresh thyme. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
  4. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until browned and thoroughly cooked. Season with salt, bouillon powder, ground black pepper, oregano, and paprika, stirring well to combine.
  5. Thicken the Mixture: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir thoroughly. Cook for about one minute to toast the flour slightly.
  6. Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the beef broth and milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
  7. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
  8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  9. Add Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  10. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

  • For even cooking, slice potatoes uniformly thin.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
  • You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor.
  • Cover tightly with foil during baking to prevent the casserole from drying out.
  • Optional: add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving to allow flavors to meld.