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Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Ground Beef Potato Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring tender potato slices, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, sliced 1/8-inch thick
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Potatoes: Wash and slice the Yukon gold potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds. A mandoline slicer helps achieve uniform slices for even cooking. Set aside in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens—about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer 1/3 of the potato slices, slightly overlapping. Top with half of the cooked ground beef mixture, followed by a sprinkle of Colby Jack cheese. Pour a portion of the cream sauce over the layer. Repeat with another 1/3 of the potatoes, the remaining beef, more cheese, and more sauce. Finish with the final layer of potatoes, the remaining sauce, and the rest of the cheese.
  5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. A knife should slide easily through the potatoes when done.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

  • If your sauce gets too thick, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it.
  • For extra flavor, sprinkle additional paprika or a dash of cayenne between layers.
  • Author: Chef John
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, potatoes, cheesy, comfort food