The Ultimate Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Hello there! It’s Clara from Cooking Inspired, and let’s be honest: life as a busy mom (or just a busy woman) is a whirlwind. Sometimes, the only thing that keeps me going is the promise of a comforting, home-cooked meal. Today, I’m so excited to share one of my absolute go-to recipes: Ground Beef and Potato Casserole! This is a family-friendly dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to throw together. From prep to plate, you’re looking at about an hour – perfect for those nights when time is short but you still want something delicious.

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a breeze to assemble.
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of savory ground beef bacon, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese creates a cozy and satisfying flavor profile.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies, cheeses, or spices to make it your own.
• Minimal Cleanup: One dish means less time scrubbing and more time relaxing.

What is Ground Beef and Potato Casserole?

Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a classic ground beef dish that combines ground beef (or in this case, ground smoked beef bacon!) with sliced potatoes and cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s loved for its simplicity and hearty flavor. Variations of this dish can be found across many cultures, each with its own unique twist.

The Best Potatoes for Ground Beef Casserole

Choosing the right potato can make all the difference in your casserole! Here are a few options:

• Russet Potatoes: These are starchy and tend to become fluffy when baked, which creates a lovely, creamy texture.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These have a slightly buttery flavor and hold their shape well, adding a bit of richness to the dish.
• Red Potatoes: These are waxier and stay firm during cooking, which gives the casserole some structure.

For this recipe, I recommend using Russet potatoes for their fluffy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are my next favorite, and a nice twist.

Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• 6 medium potatoes, (peeled and thinly sliced): The base of our casserole, providing a hearty and comforting foundation.
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter (or cooking oil): Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
• 1 onion, (diced): Provides a savory base flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, (minced): Adds a pungent and aromatic touch.
• 1 teaspoon (1g) fresh thyme, (minced): Infuses the dish with an earthy and herbaceous note.
• 1 pound (450g) ground smoked beef bacon: The star protein, offering a smoky and savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon (6g) salt ((to taste)): Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon (3g) bouillon powder ((or sub with salt)): Adds depth and umami.
• 1 teaspoon (2-3g) ground black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and spice.
• 1 teaspoon (3g) paprika: Contributes a sweet and smoky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon (1-2g) oregano: Adds a classic Mediterranean herb flavor.
• 2 tablespoons (15g) flour: Thickens the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
• 1 cup (236ml) beef broth: Adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor.
• ½ cup (118ml) milk: Adds richness and helps create a creamy sauce.
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a melty, cheesy topping.
• fresh parsley (chopped for garnish (optional)): Adds a pop of freshness and color.

How to Make Ground Beef and Potato Casserole: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to bring this comforting dish to life:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Peel and slice the potatoes thinly and as close to the same thickness as possible so they cook evenly in the casserole.

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and thyme and sauté until the onion is translucent and garlic fragrant.

1. Add the ground smoked beef bacon to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks—season with salt, pepper, bouillon powder, oregano, and paprika.

1. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then sprinkle the flour over the smoked beef bacon mixture. Stir well to combine, and cook for another minute to toast the flour.

1. Gradually add the beef broth and milk to the skillet, stirring constantly. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly, forming a gravy-like consistency.

1. Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish with butter (or non-stick spray). Then, arrange half of the sliced potatoes along the bottom, followed by half of the ground smoked beef bacon mixture. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and smoked beef bacon mixture.

1. Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

1. Uncover the dish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.

1. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Casserole

• Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to slice the potatoes as evenly as possible. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
• Brown the Beef: Don’t skip browning the ground smoked beef bacon. This step adds depth of flavor to the casserole.
• Ensure Even Cooking: Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps the potatoes cook through evenly.
• Prevent Browning: If you notice the potatoes are browning too quickly before they’re tender, lower the oven temperature slightly and continue baking.

Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Variations

Here are a few fun variations to try:

Variation	Ingredient Swaps
Mexican-Inspired	Chorizo instead of ground smoked beef bacon, chili peppers, salsa
Italian	Marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Italian herbs

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Beef Mixture: You can prepare the ground smoked beef bacon mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Fully Assembled: You can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it overnight. Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Store leftover Ground Beef and Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Unevenly Sliced Potatoes: This can lead to some potatoes being undercooked while others are overcooked.
• Not Browning the Beef: Skipping this step will result in a less flavorful casserole.
• Using the Wrong Cheese: Opt for a cheese that melts well for the best results.

Troubleshooting Watery Casserole

If your casserole turns out watery, here are a few things to consider:

• Drain Excess Fat: Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground smoked beef bacon after cooking.
• Use the Right Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets absorb moisture better.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the baking dish, as this can release more moisture.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of crusty bread.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 35g

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I hope you love this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole as much as my family does! It’s a comforting, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below with any questions, share your results, or tell me about any fun variations you tried. Happy cooking!