Hearty Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole: My Family's Favorite (Print Version)

Hearty Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole is a comforting, easy dinner. Layered with seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and cheesy goodness, it's a family favorite.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 ½ lbs (about 680g) lean ground beef (80/20 preferred)
03 - 1 large onion, chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 lbs (about 900g) Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick

→ Flavor Builders

06 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tsp salt, or to taste
08 - 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
09 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
10 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
11 - 1 cup (240ml) beef broth

→ Creamy Layers & Toppings

12 - 1 cup (240ml) milk (2% or whole)
13 - 2 cups (about 220g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

→ Kitchen Staples

14 - 1 tbsp Salt for potato water

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those potatoes ready for our Hearty Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole. Peel your russets and slice them into about 1/4-inch thick rounds. I usually just eyeball it, but aim for consistency so they cook evenly. Pop them into a pot of cold, salted water, bring it to a boil, and cook for just 5-7 minutes until they're slightly tender but still firm. This is where I always forget to salt the water, oops, but it really makes a difference for flavor. Drain them well and set aside.
02 - While the potatoes are doing their thing, grab a large skillet and heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Let it brown beautifully, getting those crispy bits; that's where the flavor lives! Drain off any excess fat – I usually just tilt the pan and use a spoon to scoop it out. This step is crucial for a non-greasy Hearty Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole. I once skipped draining and the casserole was a bit swimming, not ideal!
03 - Once the beef is browned, toss in your chopped onion and cook until it's softened, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, letting them cook for another minute until fragrant. Oh, the smell at this point is just incredible, honestly! It's the moment you know something delicious is brewing. Season with salt, pepper, and a good dash of Worcestershire sauce. I always add a bit more Worcestershire than the recipe calls for, it just adds that deep savory kick!
04 - Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and cook for a minute, stirring constantly. This helps thicken our sauce. Slowly pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and is smooth. It should look like a rich, savory gravy. This step is key for that luscious texture in your Hearty Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole. I've had it clump up before when I added the liquid too fast, so take your time here!
05 - Now for the fun part: assembly! Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread about half of the beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Arrange half of your par-cooked potato slices over the beef. Sprinkle with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining beef, potatoes, and finish with a final glorious layer of cheese. This layering is what makes a Hearty Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole so satisfying!
06 - Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. The kitchen will smell absolutely divine, I promise! Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the Hearty Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole to set a bit, making it easier to serve. It's so worth the wait!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the potatoes in the first step; they should still be firm enough to slice easily without falling apart.
02 - Leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheating in the oven is best to prevent dryness.
03 - Ground turkey or even a mix of ground pork and beef works wonderfully if you're not a fan of ground beef.
04 - Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - 9x13 inch baking dish
03 - large pot
04 - cutting board
05 - knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25 g
Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
Protein: 28 g

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