Creamy Potato and Ground Beef Casserole

Creamy Potato and Ground Beef Casserole

🥔 Introduction

Few dishes capture the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals like a rich, golden Potato and Ground Beef Casserole. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and creamy cheese sauce, this dish is the very definition of cozy comfort food. Every bite brings together tender potatoes, juicy meat, and melted cheese — all baked to perfection with a bubbling, crispy top.

This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you crave something hearty and satisfying. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma.

🍽️ Ingredients

For the Casserole Layers:

• 5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef

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• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ tsp paprika

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• ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (preferably warm)

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• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🔥 Preparation

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in the flour and whisk for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
Add the heavy cream (if using), mozzarella, and cheddar. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish with butter or oil. Start with a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom, slightly overlapping each other.
Spread half of the cooked beef over the potatoes, then drizzle some of the creamy sauce on top.
Add another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining beef, and pour the rest of the sauce evenly over everything.
Finish with a final layer of potatoes and top with shredded cheese.

4. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

5. Let It Rest & Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

🌿 Serving Tips

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s also great with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven — they taste even better the next day!

✨ Conclusion

Creamy Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with familiar flavors that feel like home. Each layer melts into the next, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste — creamy, cheesy, and deliciously savory. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.