Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Description:

This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a simple, filling, and flavorful dish made with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce. Topped with melted cheese, it’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s a satisfying dish that combines savory beef, creamy potatoes, and gooey cheese in every bite.

Origin:

Ground beef and potato casseroles are classic comfort food that has been popular in American and European kitchens for years. It’s a versatile, easy-to-make dish that can be adapted with different seasonings, vegetables, or cheese. This recipe is a version of that comforting classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly (about ⅛-inch slices)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the beef)
• ½ cup milk (to thin out the sauce, if needed)

For Topping (Optional):

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for an extra cheesy topping)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
   • Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of milk.
3. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • While the beef mixture is cooking, peel and thinly slice the potatoes. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom.
   • Layer half of the sliced potatoes on top of the beef mixture, followed by half of the remaining beef mixture. Repeat with another layer of potatoes and top with the rest of the beef mixture.
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
5. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is hot and bubbly. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and get bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Layering: Make sure the potato slices are evenly layered to ensure they cook evenly.
• Cream of Soup Alternatives: If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even make your own cream sauce.
• Cheese Options: You can mix different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a sharp cheddar, for added flavor.
• Add Vegetables: If you want to add more veggies, consider adding frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers into the beef mixture before layering in the casserole.

Recommendations:

• Serve this casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light red wine, like Pinot Noir.

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Vitamin A: 15%
• Vitamin C: 20%
• Calcium: 20%
• Iron: 15%

This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal that’s both easy to make and delicious. With its layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!