On a chilly evening, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, cheesy casserole. This recipe for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes hails from grandma’s kitchen, where hearty meals were crafted with love and simplicity. It’s a perfect blend of savory ground beef and tender potatoes, smothered in creamy, melted cheese. Ideal for family dinners, this dish promises to evoke nostalgic memories while creating new ones.
Ingredients
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients you will need for this delightful casserole:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 3 cups thinly sliced, peeled potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that it’s hot and ready by the time you’re done preparing the ingredients.
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleaning up easier.
Prepare the Potatoes
- Slice the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes until you have about 3 cups. The thin slices will help them cook evenly and quickly.
- Coat with Butter and Salt: Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl. Pour melted butter over the top and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix until the potatoes are thoroughly coated. This step ensures that every slice gets a bit of buttery goodness.
- Line the Casserole Dish: Arrange the potato slices in the bottom and along the sides of the prepared casserole dish, overlapping as needed to create a solid layer. This forms the base of your casserole.
Bake the Potatoes
- Initial Baking: Place the potato-lined dish in the preheated oven and bake until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take about 20 to 30 minutes. Baking the potatoes first ensures they are fully cooked and tender before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Prepare the Beef Mixture
- Cook the Ground Beef: While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crumbly, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to break up the beef as it cooks for even browning.
- Drain the Grease: Once the beef is cooked, drain and discard any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked beef to a large bowl. Add the condensed cream of mushroom soup, ¾ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of milk. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined. This creamy, cheesy mixture is what gives the casserole its rich flavor.
Assemble and Bake the Casserole
- Add the Beef Mixture: Remove the tender potatoes from the oven. Pour the beef mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
- Final Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake until the casserole is heated through, which should take about 15 minutes.
- Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of Cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve: Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish with your family.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 779 per serving
This cheesy ground beef and potatoes casserole is a meal in itself, providing a hearty serving of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying.
Tips for Success
Choosing the Right Potatoes
For this recipe, starchy potatoes like Russets work best. They become tender and fluffy when baked, absorbing the buttery and cheesy flavors beautifully. Ensure they are thinly sliced to ensure even cooking.
Enhancing the Flavor
While the recipe is delicious as is, you can experiment with additional ingredients to suit your taste. Consider adding:
- Vegetables: Sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be sautéed with the ground beef for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Herbs and Spices: A pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can add depth to the dish.
- Different Cheeses: Mix in other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Gruyère, for a different cheesy experience.
Making it Ahead
This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply add an extra 10 minutes to the initial baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
A Journey Back to Grandma’s Kitchen
This cheesy ground beef and potatoes casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a journey back to simpler times when meals were made from scratch with love and care. Each bite is a reminder of the comforting flavors of home-cooked food that has been passed down through generations.
Grandma’s recipes are often the ones we remember most fondly, not just for their taste but for the memories they evoke. Whether it was a Sunday family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, dishes like this one were always at the heart of those gatherings.
The Magic of Cheese
Cheese has a way of bringing people together, and in this casserole, it serves as the perfect binding agent, melding the ground beef and potatoes into a cohesive dish. The sharp Cheddar provides a tangy contrast to the savory beef and creamy potatoes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This casserole is versatile enough to be served for various occasions:
- Family Dinners: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family meals.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: Easy to transport and always well-received, this dish is perfect for sharing at potlucks and parties.
- Comfort Food Cravings: Whenever you need a comforting meal, this casserole delivers the perfect combination of warmth and flavor.
A Dish that Tells a Story
Every recipe has a story, and this one is no different. It’s a tale of home-cooked meals that bring families together, of traditions passed down through the years, and of the simple joy that comes from sharing good food with loved ones.
As you prepare and enjoy this cheesy ground beef and potatoes casserole, take a moment to appreciate the love and care that went into creating it. From grandma’s kitchen to yours, this dish is a testament to the enduring power of comfort food.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes is more than just a casserole; it’s a celebration of comfort and tradition. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it captures the essence of home cooking. Whether you’re making it for the first time or revisiting a beloved family recipe, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So, preheat your oven, slice those potatoes, and get ready to enjoy a hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal. Here’s to creating new memories around the dinner table, one delicious bite at a time.