Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Introduction

Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a savory, comforting, and hearty dish that combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce. This casserole is a perfect one-pan meal that can be made for family dinners, special gatherings, or meal prep. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes and perfectly seasoned ground beef, all baked in a cheesy, creamy sauce, make for a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, Ground Beef Potato Casserole is an easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to satisfy both the appetite and taste buds.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Potlucks and gatherings
• Weeknight meals
• Comfort food cravings
• Halal-friendly meals

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a dish that will quickly become a staple in your household. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Hearty and Filling: With the combination of tender potatoes and savory ground beef, this casserole is both filling and satisfying. It’s a complete meal all in one dish.
• Comforting: The creamy, cheesy layers give this casserole a comforting and indulgent feel, making it perfect for cozy family dinners.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that is both budget-friendly and flavorful.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit your taste preferences. Try including onions, garlic, or bell peppers for added flavor.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe can be made Halal by using ground beef from a trusted Halal source, ensuring it meets dietary restrictions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

To prepare Ground Beef Potato Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (Halal)
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Halal-certified)
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• ½ cup beef broth (Halal-certified)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef: A key protein in this dish, ground beef adds flavor and texture, making it the heart of the casserole.
• Potatoes: Potatoes bring a soft, creamy element to the casserole, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the beef and sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: A rich, melty cheese that binds the casserole together and adds creaminess to every bite.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Adds a luscious, creamy texture to the sauce that makes the casserole irresistible.
• Spices and Seasonings: Paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor of the ground beef and complement the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Ground Beef Potato Casserole:

Prepare the Casserole Base:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Aromatics: Once the beef is cooked through, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onions are softened and translucent.
4. Season the Beef: Add the salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano to the beef mixture. Stir to combine and set the beef aside to cool slightly.

Assemble the Casserole:

5. Layer the Potatoes: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Be sure to overlap the slices slightly for an even layer.
6. Add the Beef Mixture: Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes, pressing it gently to distribute evenly.
7. Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of potatoes on top of the beef mixture, followed by the remaining beef. Finish with a final layer of potatoes.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

8. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the beef broth and heavy cream (or milk). Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
9. Pour the Sauce Over the Casserole: Carefully pour the creamy sauce over the assembled casserole, ensuring that it seeps into the layers of potatoes and beef.

Bake the Casserole:

10. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This will allow the potatoes to soften and cook through.
11. Add Cheese and Continue Baking: After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Final Touches:

12. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into portions. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

How to Serve Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Ground Beef Potato Casserole is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad or coleslaw to balance out the richness of the casserole.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for added nutrition and color.
• For Meal Prep: This casserole makes excellent leftovers. Store individual portions in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• For a Crowd: Serve as part of a buffet or potluck spread. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to double or triple for larger groups.

Additional Tips for Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Here are some helpful tips to make your Ground Beef Potato Casserole even more delicious:

• Thinly Slice the Potatoes: For the best texture, slice the potatoes as thinly as possible. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender in the casserole.
• Layer the Potatoes Well: Be sure to layer the potatoes tightly in the baking dish to allow them to absorb all the flavors of the beef and sauce.
• Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest, richest sauce, use full-fat milk or heavy cream. This will create a velvety smooth texture that pairs wonderfully with the beef and potatoes.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Recipe Variations of Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Here are some fun variations of Ground Beef Potato Casserole to try:

• Vegetable-Stuffed Casserole: Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added vegetables and flavor.
• Cheesy Bacon Casserole: If you’re not restricted by dietary requirements, you can add cooked bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: Swap the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious variation.
• Spicy Casserole: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• Kofta Casserole: Add ground lamb or chicken instead of beef for a Mediterranean-inspired twist, and season with cumin and coriander for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini to make a lower-carb version of this casserole.
• Creamy Mushroom Casserole: Stir in sliced mushrooms into the beef mixture for a rich and earthy flavor.
• Herb-Infused Casserole: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for a fragrant, flavorful variation.
• Buffalo Ground Beef Casserole: Mix in some buffalo sauce with the beef mixture for a tangy, spicy flavor.
• Sausage and Ground Beef Combo: Combine ground sausage with ground beef for a more flavorful, savory casserole.

Freezing and Storage for Ground Beef Potato Casserole

• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Once it’s completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until heated through.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Special Equipment for Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Here are some essential kitchen tools that will help you make Ground Beef Potato Casserole:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A standard-sized baking dish is ideal for making a large batch of casserole.
• Sharp Knife or Mandoline: Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to slice the potatoes evenly.
• Large Skillet: A large skillet or frying pan is needed to cook the ground beef and vegetables.
• Saucepan: A small saucepan is perfect for preparing the creamy sauce.
• Spatula: Use a spatula to stir the ground beef mixture and spread the layers evenly in the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Foil is essential for covering the casserole while baking to ensure the potatoes cook thoroughly without burning.

FAQ Section about Ground Beef Potato Casserole

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Just be sure to season it well to make up for the lack of fat.
2. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute the heavy cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
3. Can I use a different type of potato?
   Russet potatoes work best for this casserole due to their starchy nature, but you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
4. How do I make the casserole spicier?
   Add chopped chili peppers, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the beef mixture to spice up the casserole.
5. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day for a quick and easy meal.

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Conclusion of Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings comfort and flavor to any meal. With its rich layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, this dish is easy to customize and sure to become a family favorite. Try it out today and enjoy a hearty, Halal-friendly meal that’s both delicious and filling!