Description
Hearty ground beef casserole with potatoes brings comfort to dinner tables across North America. Layers of seasoned meat, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you can savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or cheese blend)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsps butter
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- Parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even heating environment for the casserole.
- Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until completely browned and no pink remains. Drain off excess fat thoroughly.
- Create a smooth sauce base by melting butter in a separate pan, then incorporating flour to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk and beef broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika, allowing it to simmer and thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Arrange a foundational layer of thinly sliced potatoes in a greased casserole dish, followed by an even distribution of the cooked ground beef and optional vegetables.
- Gently pour the prepared sauce over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and moisture throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top, which will melt and create a golden, crispy surface during baking.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until potatoes become fork-tender and the cheese turns golden and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor before serving.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish while maintaining rich flavor.
- Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, diet-friendly alternative that still delivers satisfying taste.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg