Here’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe for Cheesy Potato and Ground Beef Bake — a layered casserole of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese. It’s budget-friendly and pure comfort food.

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🧀🥔 Cheesy Potato and Ground Beef Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3–4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced (about ¼-inch thick; Russet or Yukon Gold)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar/chicken)

• ½ cup milk

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or a blend)

• Butter or oil, for greasing dish

• Optional toppings: green onions, parsley, or hot sauce

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🔪 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the beef:

   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned.

   • Add garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1 more minute.

   • Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Mix soup and milk in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.

4. Assemble the bake:

   • Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish.

   • Spread half of the beef mixture on top.

   • Pour half the soup mixture over it, then sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.

   • Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mix, and top with the last cup of cheese.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

6. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

7. Rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

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🔄 Variations:

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

• Add frozen veggies (like corn or peas) between layers.

• Spice it up with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Want a from-scratch version without canned soup? I can give you a quick homemade sauce, too.