Description
This Hearty Meat and Potato Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, washed, peeled, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the meat layer: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease and add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are soft.
- Season the meat: Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Pour in a small amount of beef broth to keep the mixture moist. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash, peel, and thinly slice the potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish. Spread half of the cooked meat mixture over the potatoes, then drizzle some of the cheese sauce. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
- Optional topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for an extra crispy crust.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a meat-free alternative.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra heat.
- Different Cheeses: Use mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower slices for a keto-friendly dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: casserole, comfort food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: meat and potato casserole, cheesy beef casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food casserole, baked potato casserole