This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is the perfect comfort food that your whole family will love. Whether it’s served as a special Easter side dish or a delightful breakfast brunch item, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and rich, melted cheese create a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes (add 10-15 minutes if potatoes are sliced thicker)
- Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound crumbled ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 to 4 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced (about ¼” thick)
- 8 ounces, or more, shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 can Cheddar cheese soup mix
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (or whole milk)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Steps to Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet, add the diced onion and crumbled ground beef. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Slice the potatoes into ¼-inch thick slices.
- Layer the ingredients:
- Start by adding a layer of potato slices to the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Top the potato layer with approximately ⅓ of the cooked meat mixture and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded cheese over the meat.
- Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a top layer of shredded cheese.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a bowl, combine the Cheddar cheese soup mix, evaporated milk, and regular milk. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered potatoes and beef.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the cheese to become golden brown.
- Check doneness: Ensure the potatoes are tender by inserting a fork. If they need more time, cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
This Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a deliciously layered dish that is worth the wait. The combination of soft potatoes, seasoned beef, and melted cheese makes it an irresistible comfort food. Serve it hot and watch as everyone reaches for seconds! Enjoy this versatile dish for any special occasion or cozy family meal.