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Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

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This easy one-pan Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dinner packed with layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s budget-friendly and customizable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor, but lean works)
  • 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or a blend)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or any preferred milk, unsweetened if plant-based)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash and peel potatoes. Slice into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Keep in cold water if prepping ahead to prevent browning.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned (5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix well.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
  5. Layer half the potato slices in the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping. Spoon half the beef mixture over potatoes. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and another 1 cup cheddar cheese.
  7. Whisk together milk and beef broth. Pour evenly over the casserole.
  8. Cover dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  9. Remove foil. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over top. Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until cheese is golden and potatoes are fork-tender. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a crispier top, if desired.
  10. Pierce casserole with a fork to check doneness. If potatoes aren’t soft, re-cover and bake 10 minutes more.
  11. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Slice potatoes evenly for best results. Season each layer for maximum flavor. Let casserole rest before serving for clean slices. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and milk. Add frozen veggies or swap in sweet potatoes for variety. If casserole is too moist, bake uncovered longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy casserole, ground beef, potato casserole, one-pan dinner, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, oven baked, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option

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