Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole made with seasoned ground beef, tender potato slices, and a creamy, cheesy topping. This family-favorite dish is simple, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 4 medium potatoes Russet or Yukon Gold, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt preferably kosher
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Wash, peel, and slice potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Once browned, add diced onion. Cook until softened (3-4 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Season beef mixture with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir well.
- Pour in beef broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish. Spread half the beef mixture on top. Repeat layers.
- In a bowl, whisk sour cream with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread evenly over the top layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Cover with foil (not touching cheese) and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a mandoline for even potato slices.
For Tex-Mex variation: add 1 tsp cumin, use Mexican cheese blend, and top with salsa.
For extra creaminess: increase sour cream to 1½ cups or add ½ cup softened cream cheese.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat covered in a 350°F oven, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.