Print This Recipe

Ground Beef And Potato Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter or cooking oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon bouillon powder (or sub with salt)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• fresh parsley chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready to go when you need it. This temperature will create that perfect balance of tender potatoes and a golden top.

2. Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
   Peel and slice those potatoes nice and thin. Try to keep them as uniform as possible to ensure they cook evenly. This little effort will pay off when you get that delightful, even texture throughout.

3. Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and the garlic's fragrance fills the kitchen. This step lays the flavorful foundation for your casserole.

4. Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef
   Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir it until it's browned and cooked through. Season with salt, black pepper, bouillon powder, oregano, and paprika. This combination adds a depth of flavor that'll have everyone coming back for seconds.

5. Step 5: Create the Sauce
   Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Let it cook for another minute or so to toast the flour. Then, gradually add the beef broth and milk, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency.

6. Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
   Grease your chosen baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, followed by half of the savory beef mixture. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef. This layering ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

7. Step 7: Bake Covered
   Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven for about 45 minutes. You want the potatoes to be tender when pierced with a fork. Keeping it covered allows everything to steam and cook evenly.

8. Step 8: Add the Cheese
   After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, letting the cheese melt and bubble. This step crowns your casserole with gooey, cheesy perfection.

9. Step 9: Cool and Garnish
   Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few moments. This helps the layers set slightly, making serving a breeze. Garnish with fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy, and then serve up this comforting dish.

Notes

Cooking a ground beef and potato casserole can be a joyful experience, but a few pitfalls might crop up. One common misstep is slicing the potatoes too thick, causing uneven cooking. To dodge this, aim for uniform, thin slices—think consistency akin to scalloped potatoes.

Another hiccup is forgetting to drain excess fat from the beef. This can lead to a greasy casserole. A quick tilt of the skillet and a spoon will do wonders to keep it light.

Mixing the flour into the beef mixture without cooking it through means risking a raw flour taste. Let it toast briefly before you add the liquids for a richer flavor.

Lastly, some may rush the cheese step. Giving it time to bubble and brown ensures a delightful, melty topping. When these small hurdles are cleared, your casserole will be nothing short of comforting perfection!

Keywords: Beef and Potato Bake, Ground Beef Potato Pie, Minced Beef and Potato Dish, Hamburger Potato Casserole, Meat and Potato Bake, Beef and Potato Gratin.