Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole: An Incredible 7-Layer Ultimate Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a delightful dish that combines savory layers of beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes. This ultimate comfort food will leave your taste buds feeling truly satisfied and craving more. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks, offering a wonderful blend of flavors that appeals to everyone.

If you’re looking for a way to impress your family and friends or simply want to whip up a delicious weeknight meal, this casserole is the answer. What makes this recipe stand out is its incredible layers that meld perfectly together. Every slice you serve is filled with rich ingredients, evoking a warm and inviting atmosphere around the dinner table. Furthermore, it’s simple to prepare, allowing even novice cooks to create something fantastic with ease.

In this guide, you will discover the preparation process, the key ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to help you craft this amazing dish. Whether you are feeding a large group or just indulging in a comforting evening meal, the Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole delivers every time. Let’s dive into why this recipe should be on your meal rotation!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating this delicious Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole will take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Here’s a quick summary of the time breakdown:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes

These times are approximate and may vary depending on your kitchen equipment and cooking experience.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the mouthwatering Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
3. Seasoning: Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Combine Cream Mixture: In a bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
5. Layer Ingredients: In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Layer half of the beef mixture followed by half of the cheese.
6. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of potatoes, the remaining beef mixture, and top with the rest of the cheese.
7. Final Layer: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the top. If desired, add more cheese.
8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
10. Serve Warm: Cut into squares and serve warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the layers of flavor you've created.

How to Serve

When serving Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole, consider these tips to enhance the experience:

1. Plating: Use a spatula to serve neat squares onto plates, ensuring both meat and potato layers are visible.
2. Accompaniments: Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
3. Garnishing: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra cheese on top for a visually appealing presentation.
4. Beverage Pairing: Serve with a side of iced tea, soda, or your favorite red wine to complement the richness of the dish.
5. Add-Ons: Offer hot sauce or ketchup on the side for those who enjoy a bit of extra flavor.

By following these serving tips, you can elevate an already incredible dish, making it memorable for you and your guests. Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole!

Additional Tips

• Quality Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while still enjoying robust flavor.
• Slice Potatoes Thinly: Thin slices will cook evenly and integrate better with the beef and cheese layers, ensuring a harmonious dish.
• Season Generously: Don’t shy away from adding herbs or even cheese blends for a more dynamic flavor profile.
• Let it Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for the full 10 minutes, which helps it set and makes serving easier.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and dairy will enhance the taste, making your casserole even more delicious.

Recipe Variation

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider these fun variations for your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole:

1. Mexican Twist: Add a layer of taco seasoning to the ground beef, along with black beans and corn for a south-of-the-border flavor.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with lentils or a mix of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
3. Cheesy Broccoli Addition: Add steamed broccoli to the layers for a healthy boost and extra crunch.
4. Spicy Edition: Include jalapeños or cayenne pepper in the beef mixture to turn up the heat.
5. Buffalo Chicken Version: Substitute ground beef with shredded buffalo chicken for a spicy and tangy variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should remain fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. If frozen after baking, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it.
• Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until heated through. If reheating from frozen, add additional baking time.

Special Equipment

To make the Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole smoothly, having the following tools can help:

• Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and onions.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: Ideal for layering your casserole.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine your cream mixture quickly.
• Sharp Knife: For thinly slicing the potatoes.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole during baking.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a heartfelt meal that brings families together. With its layers of flavors and comforting ingredients, this casserole will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or reheat leftovers, it promises satisfaction with every bite.