Hey there, casserole lovers!
Are you in the mood for something comforting and delicious? I’ve got a treat for you!
Today, I’m sharing my cheesy ground beef and potato casserole.
It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for those cozy nights in.
Get ready to dive into a dish that’s sure to please the whole family!
Let’s get cooking!
| Preparation Time | 15-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40-60 minutes |
| Total Time | 55-90 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz shredded colby jack cheese
- Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/4 cup whole milk (or chicken/beef broth)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel and slice 2 lbs of Russet potatoes into thin rounds.
Step 2: Sauté Potatoes and Onions
Heat some cooking oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced potatoes and sauté them for about 10 minutes until they are slightly crispy and almost cooked through.
Season with salt.
Transfer the sautéed potatoes to the bottom of a 1.5 to 2-quart baking dish.
In the same skillet, sauté 1/2 medium diced onion until it becomes translucent.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add 1 lb of lean ground beef to the skillet with the onions, breaking the beef apart as it cooks.
Season the meat with salt, black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
Mince and add 3-4 cloves of garlic to the ground beef mixture.
Cook until the meat is fully browned.
Step 4: Assemble Casserole Layers
Layer the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes in the baking dish.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat.
Stir in 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for a little over a minute to form a roux.
Gradually add 1 to 1.25 cups of chicken or beef broth (or water) to the roux, stirring continuously until it thickens.
For a richer sauce, you can substitute some of the broth with whole milk or heavy cream.
Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste if desired.
Step 6: Final Assembly and Baking
Pour the thickened cream sauce evenly over the ground beef layer in the baking dish.
Top with 4 oz of shredded Colby Jack cheese (or your preferred cheese).
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Once baked, let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Slice and serve.
Enjoy!
