Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a comforting dish that brings the family together for a delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or any gathering, this recipe highlights budget-friendly ingredients while delivering a satisfying, gooey experience. With its savory flavors and creamy textures, it’s sure to become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this casserole ready to bake in no time.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Made with affordable frozen potatoes and canned soups, this dish won’t break the bank.
- Kid-Friendly Flavor: The cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients make it appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonings or add veggies for extra nutrition.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: This casserole is perfect for potlucks or family dinners, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking dish (9×13)
- Mixing bowl
- Cooking spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef evenly and ensuring great flavor.
- Baking dish (9×13): Provides ample space for all ingredients to meld together beautifully as they bake.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is necessary to combine all the ingredients without mess.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 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 and grease your 9×13 baking dish generously.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a medium-sized skillet:
1. Chop and brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink.
2. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices you enjoy.
3. Use a paper towel to dab out most excess grease.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine cooked beef, frozen potatoes, both cans of soup, and half of your shredded cheese.
2. Add any additional seasoning if desired, remembering that soup already contains some salt.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish:
1. Sprinkle a cup or more of shredded cheese on top—feel free to use as much as you like!
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes:
1. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
2. If desired, turn on the broiler for a few minutes at the end for extra browning.
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is not just easy but also delightful enough to make any dinner special! Enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a comforting dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
Pair it with a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing adds a refreshing crunch.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan cheese and croutons provides a classic touch.
Add Some Bread
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the cheesy goodness of the casserole.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy rolls can serve as a great side to this hearty dish.
Top it Off
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle some green onions on top for added freshness and color.
How to Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
To make your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese to enhance flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking to ensure it’s seasoned well according to your preference.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for unique flavors.
- Layer Toppings: For extra cheesiness, layer cheese both inside the casserole and on top before baking.
- Cook Thoroughly: Ensure the casserole is cooked until bubbly and golden brown for the best texture.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set up nicely for serving.
Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
When serving Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole, consider these delicious side dishes to create a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds vibrant color and nutrients; steam lightly to maintain its crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil brings out their natural sweetness.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the richness of the casserole; serve with butter for added flavor.
- Baked Beans: Their sweetness pairs well with savory flavors; opt for traditional or spicy varieties depending on your taste.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw with carrots and cabbage provides a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with diced vegetables offers a healthy side packed with protein and fiber.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites and add a touch of sweetness.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a satisfying crunch while adding a hint of sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be simple and fun, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for when making Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole.
- Not browning the beef properly – Failing to brown the ground beef well can lead to a less flavorful casserole. Make sure to cook it until it’s no longer pink and season it well.
- Skipping the seasoning – The soup already contains salt, but additional seasoning can enhance flavor. Don’t forget to adjust your spices according to your taste preferences!
- Overloading on cheese – While cheese is delicious, too much can make the dish greasy. Use a balanced amount for that creamy texture without overwhelming flavors.
- Using the wrong baking dish – A dish that’s too small may cause overflow, while one that’s too large can dry out the casserole. Stick with a 9×13 baking dish for best results.
- Not letting it cool before serving – Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking can result in a messy serving. Allow it to cool for a few minutes so it holds its shape better.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
- Use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F and cover with foil, reheating for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop – Place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, stirring until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole.
Can I use turkey instead of beef in this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will still provide delicious flavors.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese soup?
You can use cream of mushroom or any other creamy soup as an alternative if you prefer.
How long does it take to make Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole?
The total time is about 55 minutes—10 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking!
Can I add vegetables to my Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in veggies like broccoli or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is not only easy to prepare but also adaptable. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or different types of cheese, making it perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights. Give this comforting dish a try and enjoy its gooey goodness!
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to family meals. With its delightful combination of savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. It requires just 10 minutes of prep time and features budget-friendly ingredients like frozen cubed potatoes and canned soups. The gooey cheese topping makes it irresistible, especially to kids and picky eaters alike. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite seasonings or veggies. This dish not only fills hungry bellies but also creates moments of togetherness at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 28 oz bag frozen cubed potatoes with onions & peppers
- 10.5 oz can cheddar cheese soup
- 10.5 oz can cream of celery soup
- 2+ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef until no longer pink; drain excess grease.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, frozen potatoes, both soup cans, and half the shredded cheese; mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, season the meat with garlic powder or your preferred spices. Feel free to incorporate fresh or frozen vegetables like broccoli or corn for extra nutrition. Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking before serving for better slicing.
