Print

Loaded Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato & Ground Beef Casserole

loaded cheesy bacon ranch potato ground beef casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

This hearty casserole combines creamy ranch-infused potatoes, savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort food dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing, one-dish meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2.5 lbs)
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 8 minutes). Transfer to paper towels and crumble when cool.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up clumps, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic if using. Drain excess fat.
  4. Add browned beef/onion mixture, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mix well until evenly coated.
  5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the potato/beef mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then scatter half the crumbled bacon.
  6. Cover dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Check that potatoes are fork-tender; if not, bake an additional 5-10 minutes.
  7. Remove foil. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese and bacon over top. Bake uncovered for another 10-12 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let casserole stand 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with sliced green onions.

Notes

For a creamier texture, use Yukon Gold potatoes. Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking. For gluten-free, ensure ranch mix is certified GF. Let casserole rest before serving for best texture. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, ground beef, potatoes, bacon, ranch, cheesy, easy dinner, family meal, potluck

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/loaded-cheesy-bacon-ranch-potato-and-ground-beef-casserole-recipe-easy-comfort-food-dinner/