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Loaded Cheesy Ranch Potato and Beef Casserole

loaded cheesy ranch potato and beef casserole - featured image
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This hearty casserole combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, tangy ranch cream sauce, and plenty of melty cheddar cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prep and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional, for topping)
  • Extra bacon bits or a sprinkle of ranch seasoning (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Peel and dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss in a large bowl with melted butter, salt, and pepper until coated.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up, for 5-7 minutes until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté 2-3 minutes until onions are soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
  5. Layer half the diced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with all the cooked beef mixture, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Add remaining potatoes, then pour ranch cream sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon bits (if using).
  6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20-25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly. For extra crispy cheese, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  7. Check doneness: potatoes should be fork-tender and cheese fully melted. If not, cover and bake another 5-10 minutes.
  8. Let casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped chives or green onions. Cut into squares and serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a homemade ranch seasoning blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based cheese and sour cream. You can prep the beef mixture or dice potatoes ahead of time. Add extra veggies like peas or corn for variety. For a crispier top, add crushed potato chips or fried onions before the final bake. Let casserole rest before slicing for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy casserole, ranch potato casserole, beef casserole, family dinner, comfort food, easy casserole, loaded potatoes, ground beef recipe, weeknight dinner

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