🥔🥩 Irresistible Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Creamy • Cheesy • Budget-Friendly

📝 Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom OR cream of chicken soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• 1 tbsp oil (if needed)

Optional pantry add-ins:

• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• ½ cup frozen peas or corn

• 2 tbsp sour cream (extra creaminess)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion.

2. Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika.

3. Cook until beef is browned. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix:

• Cream soup

• Milk

• Optional sour cream

Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

1. Layer half the sliced potatoes on bottom.

2. Spread half the beef mixture over potatoes.

3. Spoon some sauce over beef.

4. Sprinkle a little cheese.

5. Repeat layers (potatoes → beef → sauce → cheese).

Step 5: Bake

• Cover with foil.

• Bake 45–55 minutes (until potatoes are fork-tender).

• Remove foil, add remaining cheese.

• Bake uncovered 10–15 more minutes until golden and bubbly.

Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

❓ Q & A Section

Q1: Do I need to boil the potatoes first?

No — slice thin (about ⅛ inch). They cook perfectly in the oven.

Q2: Can I use raw ground beef in layers?

You can, but browning first gives better flavor and prevents greasy texture.

Q3: How do I know it’s done?

Insert a fork in the center — potatoes should be soft with no resistance.

Q4: Can I make it ahead?

Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate and add 10–15 extra minutes baking time.

Q5: Can I freeze it?

Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat covered at 350°F until hot through.

Q6: How do I make it extra creamy?

• Add 4 oz cream cheese

• Use heavy cream instead of milk

• Add extra cheese between layers

Q7: How can I make it healthier?

• Use lean ground beef or ground turkey

• Use reduced-fat cheese

• Add more vegetables between layers