Hearty Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole for Comfort (Print Version)
This Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole recipe brings warm memories to the table. Simple, satisfying layers for a truly comforting family meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Base
01 -
1 ½ lbs (680g) lean ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 -
2 lbs (900g) Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
03 -
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Flavorful Sauce
05 -
1 cup (240ml) beef broth, low sodium
06 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
07 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
08 -
1 tsp dried thyme
09 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
→ Creamy Topping
10 -
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
11 -
4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
12 -
1 cup (113g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Seasonings & Spices
13 -
Salt, to taste
14 -
Black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, peel and dice those potatoes into about 1/2-inch cubes. Pop 'em into a pot of cold, salted water, bring it to a boil, then simmer until they're fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. This is where I always forget to salt the water, oops, but it makes a difference! Drain them well and set aside. You want them cooked but not mushy for this Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole.
02 -
While the potatoes are doing their thing, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s beautifully browned, crumbling as you go. Drain off any excess fat – this is key for a non-greasy casserole, trust me, I've skipped this step before and regretted it!
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Toss in your diced onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn; that's a sad smell and a ruined dish!
04 -
Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and smoked paprika with the beef mixture, cooking for a minute to toast the spices. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor right there! Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
05 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the savory ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Next, mash your cooked potatoes with the milk, butter, a pinch of salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. I sometimes leave a few small lumps because I like that rustic texture, honestly.
06 -
Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over the Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole, making sure to seal the edges. Sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving, if you can wait that long!