Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and cozy family gatherings, look no further than this delightful Ground Beef Potato Casserole. Packed with layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey Colby jack cheese, each bite is a warm embrace of delicious flavors. This casserole is not just a dish; it’s a reminder of the simple joys shared around the dinner table.

The aroma of this Ground Beef Potato Casserole baking in the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. As the cheese melts to a golden crust, filling your kitchen with a tantalizing fragrance, you’ll know that something truly special is about to be served. Whether it’s a cold winter night or a casual potluck with friends, this hearty casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Don’t hesitate to make extra because this Ground Beef Potato Casserole is just as delightful as leftovers. Simply cover and refrigerate for up to four days or freeze for later enjoyment. With a few simple swaps, like using ground turkey or dairy-free cheese, you can customize this recipe to suit your preferences. So, gather your loved ones, savor each cheesy bite, and create new memories with this timeless comfort food favorite.

Quick Benefits

• Rich and satisfying casserole layered with tender Yukon gold potatoes and flavorful Colby jack cheese
• Can be prepared ahead of time and stored for up to four days, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights
• Versatile recipe allows for ingredient substitutions to suit dietary preferences, such as using ground turkey or dairy-free cheese
• Allowing the casserole to cool and rest helps the flavors develop and the layers to set, ensuring a delicious outcome

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe Recipe

• Satisfying Comfort Food: This ground beef potato casserole is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Rich and Savory Flavors: The layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and golden Colby jack cheese create a rich and savory flavor profile that will have you coming back for seconds.
• Cheesy Goodness: The bubbling Colby jack cheese forms a golden crust that adds a deliciously cheesy element to the casserole, making it a favorite for cheese lovers.
• Nostalgic Aroma: The incredible aroma that fills your kitchen as this casserole bakes will instantly transport you to fond memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings.
• Make-ahead Convenience: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, making it a convenient option for busy days or meal prep.
• Versatile Options: You can customize this recipe by using different types of potatoes, swapping ground beef for turkey, or opting for dairy-free alternatives to suit various dietary preferences.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated later, this casserole stays delicious for days, making it a great option for leftovers that the whole family will love.

Ingredients for Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 300 grams cream of mushroom soup
• 240 millilitres half and half
• 240 millilitres sweet yellow onion, finely diced
• 900 grams lean ground beef
• 340 grams Colby jack cheese, freshly shredded, divided
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1.1 kilograms Yukon gold potatoes, washed
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Pro Tips for Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, slice them thinly and layer them evenly in the casserole dish. This will help them bake to a soft and tender texture by the end of the cooking time.

Pro Tip 2: Feel free to customize the cheese in this casserole. Cheddar or Monterey jack are great alternatives that melt beautifully and add a delicious flavor to the dish.

Pro Tip 3: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and allowing the flavors to fully develop. If preparing ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate, then add some extra bake time when reheating from cold for a perfect result.

How to Make Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Potato Slices

Cut Yukon gold potatoes into 3mm thick rounds and soak in water to prevent oxidation.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish

Preheat oven to 175°C. Lightly spray a 23×33 centimetre baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 3: Cook Ground Beef Mixture

Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until beef is browned, onions are soft, and excess fat is drained.

Step 4: Combine Cream Sauce

Combine cream of mushroom soup, half and half, onion powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a medium bowl, stirring until smooth and well mixed.

Step 5: Layer Ingredients

After draining the potato slices, layer one third of them in the baking dish. Top with one third of the beef mixture, sprinkle with 85 grams of shredded Colby jack cheese, and spoon one third of the soup mixture over it. Repeat for a second layer.

Step 6: Final Layer and Cheese

Layer the remaining potatoes and beef mixture as the third layer. Top with the remaining soup mixture and 170 grams of shredded Colby jack cheese.

Step 7: Bake and Rest

Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 70 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden. Let casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Storage Tips

To store the finished ground beef potato casserole, allow it to cool completely before either covering it tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container for refrigeration. The casserole can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers. If you plan to freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly and store it for up to two months. When reheating, it is recommended to use the oven to ensure the potatoes stay tender and the cheese melts perfectly again.

For those who cannot find Yukon Gold potatoes, Russet or red potatoes can be suitable alternatives in this recipe. Additionally, for a lighter version of the casserole, ground turkey can be used instead of beef, or a plant-based crumble can be substituted. Those with dietary restrictions can opt for dairy-free cheese or a homemade white sauce to replace the traditional cheese or soup. When serving, consider pairing each portion with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole, and offering toppings like sour cream, chopped chives, or hot sauce for added flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find Yukon gold potatoes, feel free to substitute with Russet or red potatoes for a similar texture and taste in the casserole. Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese can be used instead of Colby Jack if that’s what you have on hand. These cheeses will still melt beautifully and add a delicious flavor to the dish.

For a lighter option, you can swap the lean ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based crumble. To make the casserole dairy-free, consider using dairy-free cheese or a homemade white sauce as a substitute for the traditional cheese or cream of mushroom soup. These substitutions will cater to dietary preferences or restrictions while still keeping the dish flavorful and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try topping each slice of the ground beef potato casserole with a dollop of tangy sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chives, and a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor and a pop of color. The creamy sour cream and zesty hot sauce complement the richness of the casserole, while the chives add a touch of freshness.

Another fun idea is to serve the ground beef potato casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. Layer the potatoes, ground beef mixture, and cheese in the ramekins, then bake until bubbly and golden. Serve these mini casseroles as a stylish and portion-controlled dish at your next dinner party or gathering.

FAQs for Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?

Yes, cheddar or Monterey jack both melt beautifully and add great flavor to this hearty casserole.

Why is it important to let the casserole rest before serving?

Allowing it to rest helps the layers set, making serving easier and letting the flavors fully develop.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate. Add extra bake time when reheating from cold.

How can I ensure a creamy texture without excess liquid in the casserole?

Drain excess fat from the beef, mix the sauce well, and use starchy potatoes to promote a creamy texture without excess liquid.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a timeless classic that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re serving it up on a cozy Sunday evening or sharing it at a potluck gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. The rich layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey Colby jack cheese create a dish that is both satisfying and heartwarming.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe – try different types of potatoes, swap in ground turkey for a lighter option, or experiment with dairy-free alternatives for a twist on the traditional casserole. No matter how you customize it, the essence of this dish remains the same – a delicious and comforting meal that brings loved ones together. So gather your family and friends, savor each cheesy bite, and create lasting memories around this delightful Ground Beef Potato Casserole.

Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

Satisfying Ground Beef Potato Casserole: Layers of tender Yukon gold potatoes and golden Colby jack cheese, a comforting classic perfect for cozy family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time25 Minutes

Cook Time90 Minutes

Total Time115 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (One 23×33 centimetre casserole)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 300 grams cream of mushroom soup
• 240 millilitres half and half
• 240 millilitres sweet yellow onion, finely diced
• 900 grams lean ground beef
• 340 grams Colby jack cheese, freshly shredded, divided
• 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1.1 kilograms Yukon gold potatoes, washed
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Potato Slices: Cut Yukon gold potatoes into 3mm thick rounds and soak in water to prevent oxidation.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 175°C. Lightly spray a 23×33 centimetre baking dish with nonstick spray.
3. Cook Ground Beef Mixture: Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until beef is browned, onions are soft, and excess fat is drained.
4. Combine Cream Sauce: Combine cream of mushroom soup, half and half, onion powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in a medium bowl, stirring until smooth and well mixed.
5. Layer Ingredients: After draining the potato slices, layer one third of them in the baking dish. Top with one third of the beef mixture, sprinkle with 85 grams of shredded Colby jack cheese, and spoon one third of the soup mixture over it. Repeat for a second layer.
6. Final Layer and Cheese: Layer the remaining potatoes and beef mixture as the third layer. Top with the remaining soup mixture and 170 grams of shredded Colby jack cheese.
7. Bake and Rest: Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 70 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden. Let casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving.