Description
Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! This hearty ground beef and potatoes casserole combines savory seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and a delicious blend of cheeses for a meal that will satisfy the entire family. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly dinner option or a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights, this classic ground beef and potatoes casserole delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Beef Layer:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20 recommended for best flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- For the Potato Layer:
- 2.5 pounds russet potatoes (about 5–6 medium potatoes), thinly sliced (⅛ inch thickness)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. - Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into thin, uniform rounds (about ⅛ inch thick). For best results, use a mandoline slicer for consistent thickness. In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with melted butter, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. - Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. - Season the Beef
Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine. Add tomato paste and beef broth, stirring until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. - Assemble the Casserole
Layer half of the seasoned potato slices on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Pour the ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Arrange the remaining potato slices on top of the beef layer, overlapping slightly. - Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the combined cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. - Bake the Casserole
Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. - Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Slice potatoes uniformly – For even cooking, ensure all potato slices are the same thickness. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for this task.
- Don’t skip the resting time – The 10-minute rest period allows the casserole to set properly and makes it much easier to serve in neat portions.
- Season each layer – For maximum flavor, ensure both the potato and beef layers are well-seasoned independently.
- Create a make-ahead version – Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready (add 10-15 minutes to the baking time).
- Add vegetable boost – Mix 1-2 cups of frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) into the beef mixture for added nutrition.
Storage & Leftovers:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- This casserole freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Portion into individual servings before freezing for easy reheating.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
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