Description
A warm, comforting casserole made with ground beef, potatoes, and plenty of cheese, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (lean is great but anything works)
- 2 pounds potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but recommended)
- 2 to 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp is preferred)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken if that is what you have)
- 1 cup milk (more if you want it creamier)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional but makes it extra cozy)
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional but adds great flavor)
- to taste Italian seasoning or parsley (optional)
- cooking oil or butter for the pan
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel the potatoes if you want or leave the skins on. Slice them thin for even cooking.
Browning the Beef
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with the diced onion. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Once the beef is cooked through, drain off extra grease if needed. Stir in the garlic for the last 30 seconds.
Mixing the Creamy Layer
- In a bowl, stir together the soup, milk, and sour cream if using. Taste and season lightly.
Layering
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Add a layer of potatoes, then a layer of beef, then spoon on some of the creamy mixture, and sprinkle cheese. Repeat until you run out, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Baking
- Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets up.
Notes
For variations, consider adding frozen mixed veggies, spicy ingredients, or different cheeses. Make ahead and refrigerate for up to a day, and freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American