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Loaded Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Loaded Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole - featured image
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This hearty casserole features layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, gooey cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, comforting dinner bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, for topping)
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • Sliced green onions or chives (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Peel and thinly slice potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick). Dice onion, mince garlic, and shred cheeses if needed.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Add diced onion and cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme/Italian seasoning. Cook 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until smooth.
  5. Layer half the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half the beef mixture over potatoes. Spoon half the cheese sauce over beef. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese sauce. Press down lightly on layers.
  6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes, until top is bubbly and golden and potatoes are fork-tender.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  8. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and green onions or chives. Serve with sour cream if desired.

Notes

For best results, slice potatoes evenly and shred your own cheese for optimal melt. Let the casserole rest before serving for clean slices. You can assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking (add 10-15 minutes to bake time if cold). For gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour in the cheese sauce. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, potatoes, cheesy, dinner, comfort food, easy, family meal, baked, weeknight, loaded, beef and potato casserole

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