Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole

Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. It’s simple to prepare and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Here’s a delicious recipe for Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole:

Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the beef)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

1. Slice the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into about 1/8-inch thick slices. You can use a mandolin slicer to make the slices even.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 7-8 minutes.
2. Season the Beef: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld together. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

1. Layer the Ingredients: In the greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Top with half of the cooked beef mixture, then pour half of the creamy sauce over the top.
2. Repeat the Layers: Add the second layer with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a golden top.

5. Bake the Casserole:

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook and become tender.
2. Uncover and Brown: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes are fully cooked.

6. Serve:

• Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added color and freshness.

---

Tips and Variations:

• Add Veggies: You can add vegetables such as frozen peas, corn, or sliced mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Variations: Mix up the cheeses by using Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp Gruyère for a more decadent flavor.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If making ahead, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese for a dairy-free version of this casserole.

This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and filling dish that’s perfect for a family meal. The creamy sauce and tender potatoes pair perfectly with the seasoned ground beef for a meal that’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy!