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- 1 pound ground beef - 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced - 1 cup onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup The main ingredients create the heart of this dish. Ground beef gives it a rich flavor. Potatoes add a comforting texture. Onion and garlic bring out the savory notes. Cream of mushroom soup ties everything together with a creamy touch. - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese The dairy ingredients enhance the creaminess. Sour cream adds a tangy flavor, while cheddar cheese melts beautifully. Together, they create a luscious topping that makes each bite delightful. - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings and oils are key to flavor. Dried thyme offers a hint of earthiness. Paprika adds warmth and color. Olive oil helps to sauté the onions and garlic. Always use salt and pepper to adjust taste, bringing out all the flavors. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven so your casserole cooks evenly. While the oven heats, grab a large skillet. Pour in two tablespoons of olive oil and turn the heat to medium. Add one cup of finely chopped onion and two cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear, which adds a nice flavor. Next, add one pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook the beef for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to turn a nice brown color. If there’s too much fat in the pan, drain it out. This keeps your casserole from being greasy. Now, it’s time to layer your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix one cup of cream of mushroom soup, one cup of sour cream, one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir it well until it’s smooth. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, start with half of the sliced potatoes. Lay them flat at the bottom. Next, add half of the beef mixture. Follow that with half of your creamy mix. Sprinkle on half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and creamy mix. Finish with a layer of cheddar cheese on top. Finally, pour one cup of beef broth over the entire casserole. This keeps everything moist while baking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are soft and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creamy beef and potato casserole! To make sure your casserole cooks evenly, slice the potatoes thin. This helps them cook at the same rate as the beef. When you layer the ingredients, spread them out evenly. This way, each bite has the same flavor. For a tasty topping, add extra cheese before the final bake. This will give your casserole a nice, golden crust. You can also mix in breadcrumbs for added crunch. Garnish your casserole with fresh parsley. It adds color and flavor. Serve it with a light salad for a balanced meal. For portion sizes, a square cut works well. Each serving should be about one-sixth of the dish. This keeps everyone happy and full. One common mistake is overcooking the potatoes. Check them at the 45-minute mark. They should be tender, but not mushy. Another mistake is skipping the layering technique. Layering helps the flavors mix well. It also keeps the dish from being too dry or too soggy. Follow the steps closely for the best results. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme can enhance the flavor of the casserole significantly. If possible, replace dried thyme with fresh for a more vibrant taste. Layering Technique: Ensure that the layers are even and well-distributed for consistent cooking. This helps prevent some areas from being overcooked while others remain undercooked. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist. Mixing cheeses can add depth to the flavor profile. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This will help the layers set and make serving easier. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this dish. Try using turkey or chicken instead of beef. This option lowers fat and gives a lighter taste. Both meats pair well with potatoes and creamy sauce. Adding vegetables makes this dish even better. You can include carrots, peas, or green beans. These veggies add color and nutrients to your casserole. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. You can also pick gluten-free broth. This way, you keep the flavor without the gluten. For low-fat alternatives, choose lean ground beef or ground turkey. Low-fat sour cream and cheese can also work well. These swaps help cut calories while keeping the dish creamy and delicious. You can boost the flavor by adding spices. Try garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning. These spices add depth and warmth to your casserole. Different cheese options can change the taste too. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese. These cheeses melt well and add a fun kick. After enjoying your creamy beef and potato casserole, store your leftovers right away. Keep them safe in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep the flavors fresh and prevent smells from mixing. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the casserole cool before sealing it up. This helps keep the texture just right. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use freezer-safe containers. This keeps it safe from freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes. How long does it last? In the fridge, your casserole stays good for about 3 to 4 days. If frozen, it can last for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored. Enjoy your creamy beef and potato casserole without worry! You can prepare this casserole the night before. Here’s how: - Cook the beef and onions as stated in the recipe. - Mix the creamy ingredients in a bowl. - Layer the potatoes, beef, and creamy mix in a dish. - Cover and store it in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven and add the beef broth. Bake as instructed. This method saves time and makes dinner easy. Yes, you can change up the cheese. Here are some good options: - Monterey Jack for a mild taste. - Gouda for a rich flavor. - Mozzarella for a stretchy cheese. Feel free to mix different cheeses for a unique taste. Just remember to keep the amount around one cup. Reheating leftovers should be done carefully. Here are some tips: - Use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). - Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. - Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave, but it may not warm evenly. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts and stir in between. This casserole combines ground beef, creamy soup, and tasty spices. It’s easy to make and great for busy days. You can swap ingredients to suit your taste. Remember to layer well and avoid overcooking the potatoes. Store leftovers properly for future meals. Adjust recipes for dietary needs and enjoy new flavors. With these tips, you’ll create a dish that everyone loves. Happy cooking!

Savory Creamy Beef and Potato Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, and creamy sauces topped with cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well until smooth.
  • In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom. Spread half of the beef mixture on top, then half of the creamy mixture, followed by a layer of cheddar cheese.
  • Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and creamy mixture. Finish with a layer of cheddar cheese on top.
  • Pour the beef broth over the entire casserole to ensure moisture while baking.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the casserole hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Use individual plates and accompany with a light salad for a balanced meal!
Keyword beef, casserole, comfort food, potatoes