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To make Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole, gather these items: - 1 lb ground beef - 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish (optional) You can swap some ingredients for different flavors or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas: - Ground beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. - Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version. - Cheese: Try gouda or pepper jack for a different cheese flavor. - Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a nice twist and extra nutrients. - Broth: Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option. This casserole is not only tasty but also filling. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings): - Calories: 480 - Protein: 24g - Carbohydrates: 35g - Fat: 30g - Fiber: 3g - Sodium: 600mg This dish provides a good balance of protein and carbs, making it a hearty meal. Adjust the amounts as needed for your dietary goals. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for a well-cooked casserole. 2. Next, grab a large skillet and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. 3. Chop 1 medium onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic. Add these to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until you smell the aroma and they become tender. 4. Now, take 1 pound of ground beef and add it to the skillet. Break it into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it is brown and no longer pink. 5. Season the beef mix with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of paprika to bring out the flavor. 6. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Whisk them together until they are well combined. 1. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent sticking. 2. Start layering by adding half of the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on them for extra taste. 3. Spread the browned ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. This creates a tasty middle layer. 4. Pour half of the beef broth and cream mix over the beef. Make sure it coats the beef well. 5. Layer the remaining potato slices on top of the beef. This builds up the layers. 6. Pour the rest of the beef broth and cream mix over the top layer of potatoes. 1. Generously sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over everything. This will give you that gooey, cheesy top. 2. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps the casserole cook evenly. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbling and golden brown. 4. Once done, take the casserole out and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set nicely before you serve. To make a great casserole, prep your ingredients first. Slice the potatoes thinly. This helps them cook evenly. Use fresh ground beef for the best flavor. Don’t rush the browning process. It adds a rich taste to the dish. Keep an eye on the cooking time. Overcooking can make the potatoes mushy. For a perfect cheesy topping, mix the cheddar and mozzarella. They melt differently, creating a great texture. Shred your cheese instead of using blocks. It melts better and mixes well. To help the cheese melt evenly, cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking. Remove the foil for the last part to get that nice golden crust. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten the dish. If you like a smoky taste, try smoked paprika. You can also add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies. Experiment with spices to find your favorite flavor mix. Pro Tips Use a Mandoline: A mandoline slicer can help you achieve perfectly even potato slices, ensuring they cook uniformly. Layer Wisely: To prevent the top layer from overcooking, place a layer of potatoes first, then the beef, followed by more potatoes. This helps retain moisture. Cheese Mix: Combining different cheeses enhances flavor and texture. Try adding some Gruyère or pepper jack for a unique twist! Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest after baking allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve without falling apart. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this casserole. Instead of ground beef, use a mix of veggies. Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add black beans or lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth and plant-based cheese to keep it creamy and rich. This way, you keep the comfort while making it meat-free. If you want to switch up the meat, ground turkey or chicken works great. These meats are leaner but still pack in flavor. You can also use sausage for a spicy kick. Just cook the meat well before adding it to the layers. Each meat choice gives a unique twist to the dish. Enhance your casserole by adding more spices or herbs. For a kick, try chili powder or crushed red pepper. Italian seasoning can give a nice twist, too. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can brighten the flavors. Don't be afraid to experiment! Each addition can change the flavor profile and make it your own. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Just make sure to cover it well to avoid freezer burn. To reheat, you can use an oven or a microwave. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until it's hot. If using a microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals until warm. Stir in between to heat evenly. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Cut it into serving sizes for easy use. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This helps keep it fresh. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your cheesy ground beef potato casserole even later! Yes, you can use different types of potatoes. Russet potatoes work well for a fluffy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamier bite. You can even try red potatoes for a firm touch. Each type gives a unique flavor and texture. Just slice them thinly, so they cook evenly. You can store the casserole in the fridge for about three to four days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it. It stays good in the freezer for about two to three months. Just remember to cool it completely before freezing. Serve the casserole warm for the best taste. Garnish it with freshly chopped parsley for color. Pair it with a crisp salad to balance the meal. You can also add some crusty bread on the side for extra comfort. Enjoy it straight from the dish for a cozy feel! This blog post covered all you need for making a delicious casserole. We explored essential ingredients, substitutions, and nutrition facts. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation, cooking, and baking. Tips for perfecting your dish were also included, along with fun variations and storage ideas. Remember, cooking is a chance to be creative. Don't hesitate to try new flavors and methods. Enjoy making and sharing your casserole!

Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole made with layers of ground beef, potatoes, and two types of cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • optional fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes or until they are fragrant and tender.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika to evenly distribute the flavors.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth and heavy cream, whisking until mixed. This creamy liquid will enhance the casserole's richness.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Season the potatoes lightly with salt and pepper for flavor.
  • Evenly spread the browned ground beef mixture over the first layer of potatoes.
  • Pour half of the beef broth and cream mixture over the beef layer, ensuring it coats the beef evenly.
  • Layer the remaining potato slices on top of the beef. Follow with the rest of the beef broth and cream mixture, pouring it evenly to allow for even cooking.
  • Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top layer, allowing the cheese to melt and create a deliciously gooey topping.
  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and has developed a golden brown color.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the layers to set before serving.

Notes

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an appealing look.
Keyword beef, casserole, cheese, potato