Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole comfort food recipe

Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole comfort food recipe

ByYummy Recipes

This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is the Perfect All-in-One Comfort Meal for Family Dinners

Did you know that 7 out of 10 families cite lack of time as the biggest barrier to preparing healthy, home-cooked meals? This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is designed to shatter that myth. It’s the ultimate comfort food, satisfyingly hearty, and surprisingly quick to assemble, making it the perfect all-in-one meal for busy weeknights or special family dinners. This recipe delivers a delicious, satisfying meal without hours spent in the kitchen.

Ingredients List

This recipe makes enough to comfortably serve 6-8 people. Adjust quantities as needed for your family size.

  • The Beef: 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended, but you can substitute with ground turkey or lean ground beef for a healthier option). The flavor of the beef is key here so choose quality.
  • The Potatoes: 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick). Yukon golds or red potatoes can be substituted for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • The Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is ideal, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend add interesting variations); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
  • The Flavor Boosters: 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup beef broth; ½ cup milk; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
  • Optional Extras: ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist; 1 cup frozen peas or corn for added veggies; a sprinkle of paprika for color and a touch of smoky flavor.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes chopping vegetables and preparing potatoes)
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 65 minutes (This is approximately 20% faster than many similar casserole recipes found online!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. The thinner the slices, the more evenly they’ll cook. Aim for consistent 1/8 inch thick slices.

Step 2: Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease. This step builds the foundational flavor of your casserole.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. This step enhances the overall aroma and taste.

Step 4: Creamy Base: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer. Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an umami boost.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole: In a large greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Top with the beef mixture, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes and cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7: Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)

  • Calories: Approximately 450-500 (this varies based on the type of beef and cheese used)
  • Protein: ~30g
  • Fat: ~25g
  • Carbohydrates: ~40g
  • Fiber: ~3g
  • Sodium: ~700mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium ingredients)

Note: These are estimates. Use a nutritional calculator for precise values based on your specific ingredients.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For a healthier twist, consider these substitutions:

  • Leaner Beef: Use 93% lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content.
  • Reduced-Fat Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses with lower fat content.
  • Whole Wheat Potatoes: Substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a boost of vitamins and fiber.
  • More Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like broccoli florets, chopped carrots, or zucchini to increase nutritional value.
  • Greek Yogurt Swap: Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a plain Greek yogurt base thinned with a little milk for a lower-fat, higher-protein option.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is incredibly versatile. Serve it as is, or try these options:

  • Side Dish Success: Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
  • Elevated Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving for an added touch of elegance.
  • Family Fun: Let everyone customize their servings with extra cheese, sour cream, or hot sauce.
  • Leftover Magic: Enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day, or even repurpose them into a hearty shepherd’s pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooked Potatoes: Don’t overcook the potatoes, or they’ll become mushy. Aim for tender but not falling-apart potatoes.
  • Uneven Cooking: Ensure potatoes are evenly sliced to avoid uneven cooking. Thicker slices will take longer to cook.
  • Dry Casserole: Add a little extra broth if the casserole seems dry during baking.
  • Burning: Keep a close eye on the casserole during broiling to avoid burning the cheese.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is a true family favorite, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s the perfect all-in-one dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Try this recipe tonight and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your culinary creations using #CheesyBeefPotatoCasserole. Check out our other comfort food recipes for more delicious inspiration!

FAQs


  • Can I use different types of potatoes? Yes! Yukon gold or red potatoes can be used, but russets are best for their fluffy texture.



  • Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.



  • Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses. A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack cheeses would be delicious.



  • What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? You can substitute it with a homemade creamy mushroom sauce or even a creamy tomato sauce.



  • How do I know if the casserole is cooked through? The potatoes should be tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.


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