Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole is a simple and comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. This casserole combines savory ground beef with tender potatoes and gooey cheese, making it a family favorite. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s satisfying and full of flavor!

How to Make Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 6 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Non-stick cooking spray or butter

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic, then the ground beef. Cook until browned and drain excess fat.
3. Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Slice potatoes to 1/8-inch thickness. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
5. Layer potatoes in the dish, then spoon over some beef mixture, followed by cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

How to Serve Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole

Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven, with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. It can be served as a main course for dinner or enjoyed as hearty leftovers for lunch.

How to Store Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole

After the casserole has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to thaw and reheat it thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Tips to Make Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole

• Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly.
• You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
• If you want a crunchier top, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the cheese layer before baking.

Variation

For a lighter option, use ground turkey or lean beef instead of ground beef. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as gouda or pepper jack, for varied flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Just make sure the casserole is fully cooled before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.

Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole

A comforting and satisfying casserole featuring layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, perfect for feeding a crowd.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Vegetables

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 6 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced Slice to 1/8-inch thickness
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For added heat
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth

Cheese and Garnish

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley For garnish
• Non-stick cooking spray or butter For greasing the baking dish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic, then the ground beef. Cook until browned and drain excess fat.
3. Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Slice potatoes to 1/8-inch thickness. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.

Layering and Baking

1. Layer potatoes in the dish, then spoon over some beef mixture, followed by cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
2. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
3. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

For a lighter option, use ground turkey or lean beef instead of ground beef. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as gouda or pepper jack, for varied flavors.