Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole: A Family Favorite (Print Version)

Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe that's pure comfort. Layered with tender beef, creamy potatoes, and savory flavors, it’s a dish everyone will love.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Base Layers

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
03 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick

→ Creamy Sauce

06 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 2 cups whole milk
09 - 1 cup beef broth
10 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

→ Flavor Builders

12 - 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
14 - 1 tsp smoked paprika

→ Finishing Touch

15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those potatoes peeled and sliced. I like to go for about 1/4-inch thick slices, not too thin that they fall apart, not too thick that they take ages to cook. Pop them into a pot of cold, salted water and bring them to a boil. Let them simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes, just until they're fork-tender but not mushy. This step is key for perfectly cooked potatoes in your Ground Beef Potato Casserole. Drain them well and set aside, trying not to snack on too many!
02 - In a large skillet, brown your ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go. Once it's nicely browned, drain off any excess fat. This is where I almost forgot that one time! Add your chopped onion and cook until it's softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season this savory mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika. This beef layer is crucial for a flavorful Ground Beef Potato Casserole.
03 - Now for the luscious sauce! In the same skillet (less dishes, yay!), melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute, creating a roux. Slowly, slowly whisk in the milk until it’s smooth and thick. I remember the first time I made a roux, I was so nervous it would be lumpy, but just keep whisking! Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bringing it to a gentle simmer. This creamy sauce brings our Ground Beef Potato Casserole together.
04 - Time to build this beauty! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half of your cooked potato slices evenly on the bottom. Next, layer all of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Then, pour about half of your creamy sauce over the beef. Finish with the remaining potato slices on top, making sure they're nicely arranged. This layering creates that comforting texture for your Ground Beef Potato Casserole.
05 - Pour the rest of that glorious creamy sauce over the top layer of potatoes, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle generously with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Honestly, don't be shy with the cheese here. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This initial covered bake ensures everything gets hot and bubbly inside, making a truly comforting Ground Beef Potato Casserole.
06 - After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully golden brown and bubbly, and the edges are slightly crisped. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until melted and bubbly. The whole kitchen will smell incredible, trust me! Let the Ground Beef Potato Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before scooping it out. Garnish with fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy. It’s a perfect, hearty meal!

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush browning the beef; a deep brown means deep flavor!
02 - Leftovers are fantastic, but potatoes might soften a bit more—still delicious though.
03 - Ground turkey works as a substitute, but add a little extra seasoning to boost the flavor.
04 - A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - 9x13-inch baking dish
03 - large pot
04 - whisk

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 28g

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