Potato and Ground Beef Bake Recipe

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer works wonderfully for this, ensuring uniform thickness. Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Set them aside while you prepare the beef mixture.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika (if using). Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing everything together until it forms a creamy, cohesive filling. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping them. Season the potatoes with a little salt and pepper. Next, spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes, smoothing it out evenly. Repeat this process with another layer of potatoes and the remaining ground beef mixture.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once all the layers are assembled, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. This will melt into a deliciously cheesy topping as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Once the Potato and Ground Beef Bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set and make it easier to cut into neat portions.

Tips for Making the Perfect Potato and Ground Beef Bake

• Use Starchy Potatoes: For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like Russets, which will become soft and tender when baked.
• Add Veggies: You can boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish by adding vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the beef.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture.
• Swap the Meat: While ground beef works perfectly for this recipe, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
• Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, you can mix in some sour cream or cream cheese into the beef mixture.
• Freezer-Friendly: This bake can be assembled ahead of time and frozen. Simply cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

This Potato and Ground Beef Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:

• A green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
• Garlic bread for a delicious carb-on-carb experience
• Roasted or sautéed mushrooms for extra earthy flavor

Why You’ll Love This Potato and Ground Beef Bake

1. Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something about the combination of potatoes, ground beef, and cheese that makes this dish irresistibly comforting.
2. Easy and Convenient: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that will feed a crowd and be loved by everyone at the table.
3. Affordable: This dish uses common, affordable ingredients, making it an excellent choice for budget-friendly family meals.
4. Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients or swap out others to make it your own. Whether you prefer more vegetables or a different type of cheese, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

The Potato and Ground Beef Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole. It combines the savory goodness of ground beef with tender potatoes, creamy soup, and melted cheese, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a casual dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. With easy prep and a delicious outcome, this recipe is a keeper for your recipe box. Enjoy!