Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

The Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich layer of cheese. With its comforting textures and vibrant vegetables, this casserole is a perfect choice for a family meal or a cozy dinner. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrition, and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. The combination of creamy potatoes, seasoned beef, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • Potatoes: 450g (about 3 medium potatoes)
  • Ground beef: 450g (1 lb)
  • Onion: 70g (1 small onion), finely chopped
  • Butter: 60g (4 tablespoons)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Salt: To taste
  • Black pepper: To taste
  • Sugar: A pinch (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and grated or diced
  • Bell pepper: 2 medium, chopped
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Milk: 100 ml (1/2 cup)
  • Cheddar cheese: 80g (1/2 cup), grated

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin slices. You can use a mandoline for even slices or a sharp knife. Set them aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

  1. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion, garlic, grated carrots, and bell pepper to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Add seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Mix well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is well-incorporated, and the flavors begin to meld. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg and Milk Mixture

  1. Mix egg and milk: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. This mixture will create a creamy base for the casserole and help bind the layers together.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Grease the baking dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. You can use a 9×9-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
  2. Layer the potatoes: Place a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the dish. Overlap them slightly to cover the entire surface. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Add the beef mixture: Spoon half of the cooked ground beef and vegetable mixture over the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
  4. Add the egg mixture: Pour half of the egg and milk mixture evenly over the beef layer.
  5. Repeat the layers: Repeat the process with another layer of potatoes, the remaining ground beef mixture, and then the rest of the egg mixture.
  6. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

  1. Bake in the oven: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the potatoes are tender, and the casserole is bubbling. You can test the potatoes by inserting a fork into the center to ensure they are fully cooked.
  2. Let it rest: After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to set and make slicing easier.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Serve hot: Slice the casserole into squares or wedges and serve hot. It pairs perfectly with a simple salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Sugars: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use different cheeses based on your preference. Mozzarella, Gouda, or even a mix of cheeses can be used for a different flavor. If you want a sharper taste, try using Parmesan or Gruyère.

2. Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian substitutes like lentils or plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version of this casserole.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Simply refrigerate it overnight and bake it the next day. If baking from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-30 minutes.

Tips for Making the Perfect Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

  1. Slice the Potatoes Thinly: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, slice them as thinly as possible. You can use a mandolin to get consistent slices for even cooking.
  2. Cook the Beef Well: Be sure to brown the ground beef well and cook the vegetables until soft for maximum flavor in the filling.
  3. Layering: Ensure each layer is even and well-seasoned to avoid any bland bites. You can even season each layer with a little extra salt and pepper for depth of flavor.
  4. Add Herbs: Feel free to add some fresh or dried herbs to enhance the flavor. Thyme, rosemary, or oregano work well in this casserole.
  5. Adjust the Cheese: While cheddar works wonderfully, don’t be afraid to experiment with a mix of cheeses or try adding some grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot throughout, or microwave individual portions.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the casserole after it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in the oven.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a satisfying and delicious dish that is sure to please your family and guests. The layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese create a comforting, flavorful meal that can be enjoyed by all. It’s an easy-to-make dish that you can customize to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether for a weekday dinner or a special gathering, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food, and it makes fantastic leftovers too. Enjoy!