Savory Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives with this cheesy ground beef and potatoes skillet that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients combine for a delightful meal everyone will adore.

Home cooks appreciate simple recipes packed with robust flavors.

Our kitchen-tested approach ensures a foolproof dinner solution for busy nights.

Tender potatoes meld perfectly with seasoned beef and melted cheese.

Rich, savory notes create an irresistible combination that satisfies deep hunger.

Gather around the table and savor each delectable bite – this recipe will become your new weeknight favorite.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe Magic

• Satisfy Hearty Hunger: A comforting one-dish meal packed with rich flavors that fills hungry bellies and warms the soul.
• Minimal Kitchen Effort: Requires simple cooking techniques with straightforward steps anyone can master, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes while delivering maximum taste and nutrition without breaking the bank.
• Family-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers classic, crowd-pleasing flavors that kids and adults will love, creating a stress-free dinner solution for busy households.

Ingredients For Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein base for the dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory flavor to the ground beef.
• Potatoes: A starchy vegetable that creates a comforting and filling foundation for the casserole.

• Butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Milk: Provides the liquid base for the creamy white sauce.
• Cheese: Adds a melty, rich flavor and creates a golden, crispy topping for the casserole.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to cook the ground beef and prevent sticking in the skillet.

How To Make Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Grab a large skillet and heat some olive oil over medium heat.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan, cooking until it turns a rich golden brown.

Drain away any extra fat, then transfer the beef to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the kitchen fills with a mouth-watering fragrance and the vegetables become translucent.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

Grab a saucepan and melt butter over low heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk until smooth.

Gradually pour in milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Whisk until the sauce becomes thick and velvety.

Step 4: Assemble The Casserole

• Sliced potatoes
• Browned beef
• Shredded cheese
• Creamy sauce

Pour the sauce evenly across the top, ensuring every inch is covered.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake for 40 minutes.

Remove the foil, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Cut into hearty portions and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Pro Tips For Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes

• Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing flavor.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for better texture and even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Mix different cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for a more complex, rich melting experience that adds depth to the dish.
• Whisk sauce slowly and continuously to prevent lumps, creating a smooth and creamy base that coats ingredients evenly.
• Alternate potato and beef layers with cheese for balanced flavor distribution and a more appealing presentation.

Variations For Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with protein and earthy flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap paprika for chili powder to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole with extra kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and replace ground beef with lamb for a Mediterranean-style interpretation with rich, aromatic profile.

Serving Suggestions For Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes

• Comfort Plate Companion: Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add freshness to the meal.
• Hearty Side Kick: Pair with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli to introduce extra vegetables and boost nutritional value.
• Bread Buddy: Offer warm crusty bread or garlic toast on the side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the satisfying dinner experience.
• Topping Twist: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add color and an extra layer of flavor.

Storage Guidelines For Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread leftovers in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding extra cheese on top if desired for renewed crispness.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses flour to make the creamy sauce. To make it gluten-free, replace regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is ideal, but you can also use mozzarella, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor combinations.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting ground beef and potatoes casserole delivers hearty flavors straight from grandma’s kitchen. Rich layers of seasoned meat, melted cheese, and crispy potato edges guarantee a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess fat once cooked.
3. Using the same skillet, gently sauté onions and garlic until they release their aromatic flavors and become translucent.
4. Create a velvety sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, and gradually incorporating milk until smooth and creamy.
5. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a dash of paprika for depth of flavor.
6. Arrange layers in a greased baking dish: start with a base of potatoes, followed by the seasoned ground beef, and sprinkle a generous amount of cheese between layers.
7. Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow ingredients to meld and potatoes to soften.
9. Remove foil, add an extra layer of cheese on top, and return to the oven for a final 10 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a watery dish and ensure crispy, well-browned meat.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and ability to absorb creamy sauce.
• Consider low-fat alternatives by substituting ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier version.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or gruyere to customize flavor profiles and add depth to the dish.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg