Irresistible Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Irresistible Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s warm, filling, budget-friendly, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce bake together into a dish that’s hard to resist. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this casserole is pure comfort food.

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground beef

• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

• Salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

For the sauce:

• 1 can (300 ml) cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup sour cream or fresh cream

For topping:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with oil or butter and set aside.

2. Prepare the Potatoes
   Peel and wash the potatoes, then slice them thinly so they cook evenly. If you like softer potatoes, you can parboil them for 5 minutes in salted water, then drain and set aside.

3. Cook the Ground Beef
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.

   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook until the beef is fully cooked and fragrant. Remove from heat.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce
   In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth. Add a pinch of black pepper and adjust salt if needed.

5. Assemble the Casserole
   Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Spoon some of the creamy sauce on top.

   Add another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining ground beef, and finish with the rest of the sauce. Make sure everything is evenly covered.

6. Add Cheese and Bake
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.

   After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and the potatoes are fork-tender.

7. Rest and Serve
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

• Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

• Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef for extra flavor.

• For a spicy version, mix in chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.