Description
A hearty and comforting Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole featuring savory browned beef, tender diced potatoes, and a cheesy sour cream mixture baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole combines simple ingredients with aromatic seasonings for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel the russet potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes for uniform cooking. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves for sautéing.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and softened, which enhances their flavors.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics. Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook the beef while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and completely cooked through.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together. Then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Combine with Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined beef and potato mixture into a baking dish. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly. Then serve warm as a hearty main dish.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the sour cream mixture.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite melting cheese such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Make sure to dice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking during baking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ground beef casserole, potato casserole, cheesy ground beef bake, beef and potatoes recipe, easy casserole
