Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal. With layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a savory sauce, this dish is hearty, filling, and easy to love. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you need a warm and satisfying meal. You don’t need fancy ingredients—just simple, cozy flavors that always hit the spot.
Why We Love This Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
There is something special about a Beef and Potato Casserole that resonates with many of us. Perhaps it is the comforting aroma wafting through your home as it bakes, or maybe it is the satisfying layers that greet your taste buds with each bite. This casserole is rich in flavor yet uncomplicated to prepare, making it a staple in many households. The combination of ground beef, aromatic spices, and creamy layers of cheese creates a delightful meld of textures and tastes. Additionally, this dish is versatile and allows for creativity, catering to varied dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
Ingredients for Beef and Potato Casserole
To make your Beef and Potato Casserole, gather the following 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 substitute with additional salt)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How to Make Beef and Potato Casserole
Creating your Beef and Potato Casserole is straightforward, and you’ll be rewarding yourself with a delicious meal in no time.
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures your casserole cooks evenly.
Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes thinly, aiming for even thickness to facilitate uniform cooking.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart into small crumbles as it cooks. This step enhances the texture and allows for better flavor absorption.
Season the Meat: Once the beef is cooked through, sprinkle in the salt, pepper, bouillon powder, oregano, and paprika. Stir well to ensure the meat is evenly coated in spices.
Thicken the Mixture: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Next, sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture in the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring continuously. This helps the flour absorb moisture and meld into the beef evenly.
Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency.
Layer in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and begin layering the casserole. Place half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom, followed by half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes and beef.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Add Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, uncover the casserole and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let your casserole cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Your Beef and Potato Casserole is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Beef and Potato Casserole
Serving your Beef and Potato Casserole is an experience in itself. To best enjoy this dish, consider portioning it into generous servings on individual plates. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad to bring a touch of crispness to your meal. A slice of crusty bread can also complement the flavors, perfect for scooping up every last bit of the casserole.
For family gatherings or dinner parties, consider serving additional toppings, such as sour cream or extra cheese, allowing each guest to customize their experience. This adaptable dish is bound to please a crowd, so don’t hesitate to make plenty!
Expert Tips for Beef and Potato Casserole
- Even Slicing: Ensure your potato slices are as uniform as possible to foster even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be a helpful tool for this task.
- Choose Your Beef Wisely: While ground beef is the classic choice, opt for lean ground beef for a healthier variation, or try using a blend of ground beef and ground turkey for a lighter alternative.
- Customize Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices depending on your preference. Adding a pinch of cayenne can introduce a gentle heat, while extra herbs like rosemary can provide a fragrant twist.
- Cooking Times: Keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes, and adjust cooking times based on your oven conditions. If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil to prevent overcooking.
- Resting Time: Allow the casserole to rest before serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to dish out without falling apart.
How to Store Beef and Potato Casserole
If you happen to have leftovers, storing your Beef and Potato Casserole is simple. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is easy; simply reheat portions in the microwave or place individual servings in the oven until heated through.
For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, your casserole can last up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to label and date your containers for reference. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat.
Variations of Beef and Potato Casserole
As delightful as the classic Beef and Potato Casserole is, it’s always exciting to shake things up a bit. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility.
- Vegetable Boost: Add layers of your favorite vegetables. Think carrots, bell peppers, or peas, which will enhance the dish’s nutrition and flavor profile.
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is a fantastic choice, consider using different cheese types. A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan can introduce a unique twist.
- Herb Infusions: Instead of fresh thyme, experiment with other herbs, such as Italian seasoning or basil, to change the flavor palette and complement your dish.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, introducing jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese can elevate the dish to new levels of indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I serve with Beef and Potato Casserole?
Beef and Potato Casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables. These sides balance the richness of the casserole with freshness and texture.
Can I make Beef and Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
How do I ensure my potatoes are tender?
Cutting the potatoes into uniform thin slices will help ensure they cook evenly. Additionally, covering the casserole with foil while baking allows steam to build up, further ensuring the potatoes become tender.
Beef and Potato Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced Ensure even thickness
- 2 tablespoons butter or cooking oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 pound ground beef Lean ground beef is a healthier option
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon bouillon powder Or substitute with additional salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and slice the potatoes thinly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh thyme; sauté until the onion is translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart into small crumbles.
- Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, bouillon powder, oregano, and paprika, and stir well.
- Drain any excess fat and sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Cook for an additional minute, stirring continuously.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Grease a baking dish and layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the beef mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Uncover the casserole, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with parsley if desired.