Introduction
Ground Beef and Sliced Potato Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly family meal made with seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, onions, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Origin
This casserole is inspired by classic American comfort-food cooking, where affordable ingredients such as ground beef and potatoes are layered together and baked into a warm, filling dish.
Cultural Significance
Ground beef and potatoes have long been staples of home cooking because they are inexpensive, versatile, and easy to turn into a complete family meal. Casseroles like this are especially popular for potlucks, Sunday dinners, and busy weeknights.
Ingredients & Quantities
Serves 6–8
- 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
- 2½ lb (1.1 kg) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk
- 1½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional
Optional Additions
- Sliced mushrooms
- Diced bell peppers
- Frozen peas or corn
- Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
- A little cooked bacon
- ½ tsp chili flakes for heat
Tips for Success
- Slice the potatoes thinly and evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Brown the beef before assembling the casserole for better flavor.
- Avoid making the potato layers excessively thick.
- Cover the dish during the first part of baking to keep the potatoes tender, then uncover to brown the cheese.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets nicely.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned.
- Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
- Layer: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the soup mixture and ½ cup of cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake covered with foil for about 50 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Description
Every bite combines tender potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and golden melted cheddar. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying casserole that makes a delicious family dinner without requiring complicated ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving, assuming 8 servings:
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 700–850 mg
Nutrition varies depending on the ground beef, soup, cheese, and portion size used.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Sliced Potato Casserole is a classic comfort meal that brings together simple ingredients in one delicious baking dish. It’s filling, cheesy, creamy, and easy enough for a busy evening.
Recommendation
Serve it with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted vegetables. For an extra comforting meal, pair it with warm dinner rolls.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
For a lighter version, use lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, low-sodium soup, and increase the amount of vegetables. You can also replace part of the potatoes with sliced zucchini or cauliflower while keeping the casserole hearty and flavorful.