Heavenly Ground Beef and Potato Bake Recipe for Comfort Meals

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering ground beef and potato bake that promises to satisfy even the most demanding dinner cravings.

Layers of golden potatoes nestled between seasoned ground beef create a delectable one-dish meal that screams home cooking.

Each forkful bursts with rich, savory flavors that meld perfectly in this hearty casserole.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe.

The combination of tender potatoes and juicy beef delivers a perfect balance of texture and taste.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the melted goodness that ties everything together in one irresistible dish.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing meal that transforms basic ingredients into a showstopping dinner everyone will devour.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 486 kcal

Servings: 7

Hearty Beef & Potato Bake Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Adds rich, meaty flavor and protein punch; choose lean beef for healthier option; drain excess fat for lighter texture.

• Potatoes: Creates hearty, comforting base; russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture; slice uniformly for even cooking.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Provides silky smooth sauce; use low-fat milk for lighter version; ensures casserole stays moist and creamy.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile; freshly ground pepper adds depth; adjust to personal taste preference.

• Shredded Cheese: Delivers golden, melty layer; sharp cheddar offers bold taste; mix cheese types for complex flavor.

• Non-Stick Spray: Prevents sticking; ensures easy serving and clean-up.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture; prevents excessive browning during initial baking.

Bakeware and Kitchen Gear for This Dish

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef evenly and thoroughly.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for whisking soup mixture and creating smooth consistency.
• Mandoline slicer: Helps slice potatoes uniformly and quickly for even cooking.
• 9×13 baking dish: Ideal size for creating delicious layered casserole.
• Sharp knife: Useful for peeling and preparing potatoes if mandoline is unavailable.
• Aluminum foil: Covers dish during initial baking to keep moisture locked in.
• Whisk: Helps blend soup and milk smoothly without lumps.
• Cheese grater: Great for shredding cheese directly over casserole layers.

Steps for Cooking Beef & Potato Casserole

• Oven Preparation

Heat the oven to a cozy 350 degrees, creating the perfect warm environment for our delicious comfort dish.

• Beef Foundation

Brown the ground beef in a skillet until it’s rich and fully cooked, releasing those amazing savory flavors that will make everyone’s mouth water.

• Potato Magic

Slice potatoes into thin, delicate rounds that will create beautiful layers in our hearty casserole. A mandoline works wonders for achieving perfect, even slices.

• Creamy Liquid Gold

Whip together cream of mushroom soup and milk, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a silky, luxurious sauce that will bind our dish together.

• Layered Goodness

In a greased baking dish, start building your masterpiece. Alternate layers of potatoes, beef, and cheesy soup mixture, creating a delightful flavor landscape that promises pure comfort.

• Baking Journey

Cover the dish with foil and bake for one hour. Then uncover and continue baking until potatoes are tender and the top turns golden and bubbly.

• Final Touches

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking, allowing the flavors to meld and making serving a breeze. Dive into this soul-warming meal that screams home-cooked happiness.

Tips for More Flavor in Beef Potato Bake

• Potato Power Swap: Replace white potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutrient-packed twist that adds natural sweetness and extra vitamins to your casserole.
• Veggie Boost Technique: Sneak in finely chopped vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers between layers to increase nutritional value and add colorful texture to the dish.
• Cheese Lover's Hack: Experiment with different cheese blends such as sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a smoky gouda to create unique flavor profiles that make the casserole more exciting.
• Spice It Up Option: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, or mix in some minced garlic to give the casserole an extra kick of flavor that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This makes meal planning a breeze and allows flavors to meld together even more deliciously.

Best Way to Serve Beef & Potato Together

• Cozy Comfort Companions: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve alongside buttered green beans or steamed broccoli to add a pop of color and extra nutrition to your meal.
• Bread Basket Buddies: Warm garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls make perfect sidekicks, helping to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complete the dining experience.
• Weekend Wellness Boost: Top individual servings with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of freshness and a touch of herbal brightness that cuts through the dish's richness.

Storage Guide for This Hearty Bake

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover ground beef and potato bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor integrity.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. These meals stay delicious for up to 3 months in the freezer. Label containers with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this casserole in advance during weekends. Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This strategy saves time during busy weeknights and ensures a quick, delicious dinner solution.

Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Rustic ground beef and potato bake celebrates comfort with layered potato slices and seasoned beef. Rich flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) ground beef, browned
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Colby jack or cheddar)
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 ½ cups milk (360 ml)
• 5 small potatoes

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F, establishing an optimal cooking environment for the casserole.
2. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet, crumbling into small pieces and draining excess fat, then set aside for layering.
3. Potato Processing: Slice potatoes into thin, consistent rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife to guarantee uniform cooking throughout the dish.
4. Sauce Creation: Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk, seasoning with salt and pepper to develop a rich, creamy base that will enhance the overall flavor.
5. Dish Assembly: Grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray, then create strategic layers by spreading potato rounds as the foundation, distributing cooked ground beef evenly, pouring the soup mixture generously, and scattering shredded cheese across each stratum.
6. Initial Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, allowing potatoes to tenderize and flavors to harmonize thoroughly.
7. Final Baking and Serving: Uncover the casserole, continue baking for 30 minutes until potatoes develop golden, crisp edges, then remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving the bubbling, aromatic dish while piping hot.

Notes

• Potato Precision: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Fat Management: Thoroughly drain ground beef after cooking to prevent excess grease and maintain a lighter, more appetizing casserole.
• Moisture Magic: Covering with foil during initial baking helps retain moisture and allows potatoes to become tender without drying out.
• Cheese Layer Strategy: Sprinkle cheese between layers and on top for maximum flavor distribution and a perfectly golden, crispy cheese crust.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 961 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 97 mg