Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table, Beef Potato Cheese Casserole is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, seasoned beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheese coming together in one delicious, cozy casserole. Every bite is a perfect blend of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness that will leave your taste buds asking for more. It’s like a warm hug in a casserole dish—what could be better than that?

Why You’ll Love Beef Potato Cheese Casserole

Hearty & Filling

This casserole is an absolute game-changer when you’re craving a comforting meal. With layers of tender beef, creamy potatoes, and a gooey cheese topping, it’s the kind of meal that will keep you full and satisfied for hours.

Easy to Make

Even though this dish tastes like something from a five-star restaurant, it’s incredibly easy to make. Layer, bake, and voila! It’s a no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or any special occasion.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This casserole works for any gathering, whether it’s a family dinner, a casual potluck, or a cozy night in. It’s the kind of dish that can be served alongside a salad, bread, or even just on its own—it’s a total crowd-pleaser!

Customizable

You can play with this recipe by adding your favorite spices, herbs, or even vegetables. Want a bit of heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños or chili flakes. Want a veggie-packed casserole? Add in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms. The options are endless!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• Ground Beef: The rich, savory base of this casserole that brings all the flavor.
• Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes make up the heart of this casserole, absorbing all the flavors and turning perfectly tender as they bake.
• Shredded Cheese: A mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheese creates that perfect gooey, melty topping that everyone loves.
• Onion: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the dish with its rich and aromatic punch.
• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the flavors of the beef and potatoes.
• Milk: Creamy milk adds to the richness of the dish, making it more comforting.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce that binds everything together.
• Butter: For a little extra richness and flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: To season and enhance the natural flavors of the beef and potatoes.

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped for a fresh, colorful garnish.
• Crumbled Bacon: For a crispy, savory topping that adds a delicious crunch.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly add the beef broth and milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Layer the bottom of your prepared casserole dish with a layer of sliced potatoes. Then, add half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of potatoes and the remaining sauce. Top with the shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled bacon (if desired) for a little extra flavor and crunch.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Slice and serve warm. This Beef Potato Cheese Casserole is perfect as a standalone dish or served with a simple salad on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 23g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 15%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 15%
Potassium: 800mg

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Beef Potato Cheese Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add a little variety to the table, here are a few ideas:

• With a Green Salad: A light and refreshing green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette makes a great contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover cheesy goodness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans would complement this hearty dish perfectly.
• Pickles or Relish: A side of tangy pickles or relish adds a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
• Substitute for Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef if you prefer a lighter option.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use russet potatoes instead of other types?
A1: Yes! Russet potatoes will work well in this casserole, but they may break down a little more than waxy potatoes, so handle them gently while layering.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Q3: Can I freeze Beef Potato Cheese Casserole?
A3: Absolutely! You can freeze this casserole before baking, wrapped tightly in foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q5: Can I use different cheese?
A5: Yes! Feel free to swap out cheddar or mozzarella for your favorite cheese, such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables?
A6: Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers would all make great additions to this casserole. Just sauté them first to remove any excess moisture.

Q7: How do I make the casserole less greasy?
A7: To reduce the grease, you can drain the beef well after cooking, and consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey.

Q8: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A8: Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese substitute and replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond milk or oat milk. The result will be just as comforting!

Q9: Can I use instant potatoes for this recipe?
A9: While fresh potatoes are best for texture, you can use instant mashed potatoes for a quicker version. Just prepare them according to the package directions and layer them in the casserole.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! If you’re feeding a crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish. Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

This Beef Potato Cheese Casserole is a showstopper that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, it’s the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and comfort. Make it once, and it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for easy, delicious meals!

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