Craving comfort food that doesn’t keep you chained to the kitchen? Then you NEED to try this Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole. It’s seriously the answer to weeknight dinners. We’re talking tender ground beef nestled with fluffy potatoes, all swimming in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s quick to throw together, surprisingly healthy, and bursts with family-friendly flavor. Trust me, dinner just got a whole lot easier (and tastier!).
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just food; it’s a hug in a casserole dish. My grandmother used to make a similar dish on rainy days, filling the house with the most incredible aroma. It’s one of those smells that instantly transports you back to childhood. Since then, I’ve tweaked it and came up with the perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef Layer:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
For the Potato Layer:
- 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Start the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Season and Simmer: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the diced tomatoes and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Potatoes: While the beef is simmering, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Cheese It Up: Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them into an even layer.
- Pour the Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheesy sauce evenly over the potato layer.
- Add the Final Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole!
Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Tender ground beef nestled with fluffy potatoes, all swimming in a creamy, cheesy sauce. A quick and family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.1 pound ground beef
- Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the diced tomatoes and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 14.5 ounce canned diced tomatoes
- While the beef is simmering, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
- Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.1/2 cup milk, 4 tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.2 cups milk
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them into an even layer.1 pound ground beef, 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
- Pour the cheesy sauce evenly over the potato layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole!
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