Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is the perfect option for a quick and satisfying family meal. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish combines savory ground beef with creamy cheese and hearty potatoes. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed on busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This casserole takes only 10 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The cheesy goodness appeals to all ages, ensuring your family will love it.
- Budget-Conscious: Made with affordable ingredients, this dish is perfect for those looking to save while enjoying a delicious meal.
- Versatile Options: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or spices to customize the flavor profile.
- Comforting Dish: A warm, gooey casserole that feels like a hug in a dish—perfect for chilly nights.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Before you start, ensure you have everything you need to whip up this delicious casserole.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium skillet
- 9×13 baking dish
- Measuring cups
- Cooking spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all ingredients without making a mess.
- Medium skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef evenly, ensuring great flavor.
- 9×13 baking dish: Perfect size for this casserole; allows even cooking and easy serving.
Ingredients
For this scrumptious Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (28oz) bag frozen cubed potatoes with onions & peppers
- 1 (10.5oz) can cheddar cheese soup
- 1 (10.5oz) can cream of celery soup (or mushroom)
- 2+ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- seasoning to taste
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350° F. Grease your 9×13 baking dish with a little oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a medium skillet:
1. Chop the ground beef into small pieces.
2. Cook over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any preferred seasoning.
4. Use a paper towel to dab out most of the excess grease.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add the cooked ground beef.
2. Mix in the frozen cubed potatoes, both cans of soup, and half of your shredded cheese.
3. Stir until well combined; season further if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish:
1. Top with additional shredded cheese—use as much as you desire!
2. Cover with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven:
1. Cook covered for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
3. Optionally turn on the broiler for a few extra minutes for added crispiness.
Enjoy your cheesy comfort food masterpiece!
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a delightful, warm dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
With a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness to the rich casserole.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing complement the cheesy flavors beautifully.
As Leftovers
- Reheated in the Oven: For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain that gooey cheese texture.
- Microwave Option: If short on time, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick, but may not keep the same crispy top.
Topped with Extras
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the casserole.
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for added crunch and color.
How to Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
To ensure your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Cheese: Choose a good quality shredded cheddar for better melting and flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Brown just until no longer pink to keep it juicy and tender.
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well combined before baking for an even distribution of flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust seasoning as needed based on personal preferences.
- Cover While Baking: Covering with foil helps keep moisture in, leading to a creamier texture.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
Pair your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole with these delicious side dishes for a complete meal.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra cheese and sauce from your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies provides a flavorful contrast and healthy addition.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and a bit of acidity that pairs well with cheesy dishes.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans offer a hearty side that complements the savory flavors of the casserole.
- Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn brings sweetness and is fun to eat alongside this comforting main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole, you want to avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.
- Overcooking the beef: If you overcook the ground beef, it can become tough. Cook it just until no longer pink for a tender texture.
- Not seasoning adequately: Skipping seasoning can lead to a bland casserole. Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the preparation.
- Using too much cheese: While cheese is delicious, too much can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amount or adjust based on your preference.
- Ignoring cooking times: Baking the casserole for too long can result in dry potatoes. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness regularly.
- Forgetting to grease the dish: Not greasing your baking dish can cause sticking. Always use oil or cooking spray to ensure easy serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Ensure it is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture build-up.
Freezing Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
- Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole.
Can I use different meats in Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or even hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
How do I make Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper while mixing your ingredients for an extra kick!
Can I add more vegetables to my casserole?
Yes! Feel free to mix in veggies such as corn, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is not only simple but also incredibly comforting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with additions, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try!
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole, a delightful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights. This easy-to-make casserole combines savory ground beef with creamy cheese and hearty potatoes, creating a satisfying meal that appeals to all ages. With its quick preparation time and budget-friendly ingredients, this recipe is designed to simplify your cooking routine without sacrificing flavor. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices for an extra twist, making it a family favorite that you’ll want to prepare again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 28oz frozen cubed potatoes with onions & peppers
- 10.5oz cheddar cheese soup
- 10.5oz cream of celery soup
- 2+ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink; season to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, frozen potatoes, both soups, and half of the shredded cheese; mix well.
- Spread the mixture into the baking dish and top with remaining cheese; cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add your choice of vegetables like broccoli or corn for extra nutrition. For spicier flavor, incorporate diced jalapeños into the mixture.
