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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F, establishing an optimal cooking environment for the casserole.
- Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet, crumbling into small pieces and draining excess fat, then set aside for layering.
- Potato Processing: Slice potatoes into thin, consistent rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife to guarantee uniform cooking throughout the dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Initial Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, allowing potatoes to tenderize and flavors to harmonize thoroughly.
- 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