Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Few casseroles hit the spot quite like this satisfying ground beef potato casserole layered with tender Yukon gold potatoes and rich Colby jack cheese. It comes out golden, bubbling, and full of savory flavor every time I make it I am instantly reminded of Sunday dinners at home and leftovers my family is thrilled to eat throughout the week

The first time I baked this up I remember the incredible aroma filling my kitchen I knew before it even hit the table that my family would ask for it again and again Over the years it has become our go to recipe for chilly evenings and potluck gatherings

Ingredients

• Yukon gold potatoes: Provide creamy layers and hold their shape beautifully Choose potatoes with smooth skin and no green spots for the best texture
• Lean ground beef: Brings that classic beefy flavor Opt for fresh beef with bright red color and very little excess moisture
• Sweet yellow onion: Tender and sweet after sautéing Look for firm onions with papery skin and no soft spots
• Minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth Fresh minced garlic cloves make all the difference here
• Cream of mushroom soup: Forms the savory sauce Use the Great Value brand or your favorite creamy soup option
• Half and half: Delivers richness and a velvety texture Use real half and half for best results
• Onion powder: Backs up the onion flavor and ties everything together
• Kosher salt: Enhances every layer of the casserole
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Provides peppery kick and fragrance For maximum flavor grind it fresh
• Colby jack cheese: Melts smoothly and gives gooey golden top Always shred cheese fresh from the block for the best melt

Instructions

Slice the Potatoes:

Cut cleaned Yukon gold potatoes into even eighth inch thick slices and immediately place in cold water to keep them from browning This keeps them fresh while you prep everything else

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Spray a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and set aside

Cook the Beef Mixture:

In a large saucepan cook the ground beef diced onion and minced garlic over medium high heat Stir and break up the meat until it is fully browned and the onions are soft This step takes around eight minutes Drain off excess oil to avoid a greasy casserole

Mix the Sauce:

In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the cream of mushroom soup half and half onion powder kosher salt and black pepper Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps

Layer the Casserole:

Drain the potato slices well Begin the first layer in your baking dish Arrange one third of the potatoes followed by one third of the cooked beef mixture Sprinkle on three quarter cup of shredded Colby jack cheese and spoon over one third of the soup mixture Repeat this layering process for a second layer

Add the Final Layers:

Top with the remaining potatoes and beef Pour the last of the soup mixture over everything and finally top with one and a half cups of shredded cheese for an extra cheesy finish

Bake and Rest:

Cover the casserole tightly with foil Bake for one hour and ten minutes then remove the foil and continue baking for an extra twenty minutes This develops a golden cheesy crust Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest uncovered for fifteen minutes so it sets up perfectly for slicing

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I love how the Colby jack cheese bubbles to a golden crust You can smell it all through the house For my family there is nothing better than the moment someone sneaks that first cheesy corner piece straight out of the oven

Storage Tips

Let your casserole cool completely then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container for the fridge It stays fresh for up to four days For freezing wrap tightly and store up to two months Reheat in the oven so the potatoes stay tender and the cheese melts again just right

Ingredient Substitutions

Try Russet or red potatoes if you cannot find Yukon gold For a lighter casserole use ground turkey instead of beef or swap in a plant based crumble Dairy free cheese or a homemade white sauce can replace the traditional cheese or soup if needed

Serving Suggestions

Pair each serving with a side salad of crisp greens or steamed green beans to balance the richness Hot buttered rolls make the meal feel truly special For gatherings set out extra sour cream chopped chives or hot sauce for topping

Cultural Note

Casseroles like this became popular in America during the twentieth century especially when convenience foods like canned soup made homey dinners easy and filling This beef and potato classic is a descendant of traditional European potato bakes but with a distinctly hearty American twist

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No matter how you slice it this ground beef potato casserole brings family and friends together It is the kind of dish that always gets eaten down to the last piece

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I get potatoes tender throughout?

Slicing the potatoes thinly and layering evenly ensures they bake soft and tender by the end of the cooking time.

→ Can I substitute another cheese for Colby jack?

Yes, cheddar or Monterey jack both melt beautifully and add great flavor to this hearty casserole.

→ Why should I let the casserole rest before serving?

Allowing it to rest helps the layers set, making serving easier and letting the flavors fully develop.

→ Is it possible to prepare in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate. Add extra bake time when reheating from cold.

→ How can I avoid watery consistency?

Drain excess fat from the beef, mix the sauce well, and use starchy potatoes to promote a creamy texture without excess liquid.