Description
This Beef Potato Cheese Casserole is a hearty and comforting American classic featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a satisfying main course for family dinners, it combines rich flavors with a cheesy, tender texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Potato and Cheese Layers
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Brown the beef: Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 7–10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Mix sour cream and milk: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and milk until smooth to create the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the casserole – first layer: Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the sour cream mixture over the beef layer, spreading gently. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over this layer.
- Assemble the casserole – second layer: Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sour cream mixture. Top the final layer with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This helps cook the potatoes evenly and meld the flavors.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms with the beef mixture.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
- Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures even cooking; using a mandoline slicer is recommended.
- Let the casserole rest before serving for easier slicing and serving.
