Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! Recipe

If there’s one dish that perfectly captures cozy-weeknight comfort food, it’s Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! Imagine layers of savory ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and melting golden cheeses, all bubbling together into a fuss-free, family-pleasing casserole. This recipe is my go-to when I want something hearty and soul-satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and impossible to resist — trust me, once you’ve tried Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!, it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! lies in its down-to-earth ingredients, each playing a key role from texture to flavor. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, and together, they turn humble basics into a casserole that feels special every single time.

• Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15, as a little fat makes the casserole rich and flavorful.
• Potatoes: Thinly slice 4-5 medium potatoes; Yukon Gold or Russet hold up best for creamy texture.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a hint of sweetness to the onion and garlic base.
• Onion: Chopped medium onion provides mellow sweetness and aromatic depth.
• Garlic: Two cloves, minced, boost the savory flavor foundation.
• Beef broth: Just half a cup keeps everything moist and infuses each layer with extra savoriness.
• Milk (optional): A quarter cup creates an even creamier finish, but you can skip it if you prefer.
• Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon elevates the flavor profile and brings gentle herby notes.
• Paprika: Half a teaspoon adds subtle warmth and gorgeous color.
• Salt & pepper: To taste, because seasoning makes all the difference in this dish.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: One and a half cups melts perfectly for gooey, comforting bites in every scoop.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Half a cup on top turns irresistibly crispy and golden in the oven.
• Fresh parsley: The ideal finishing touch for freshness and eye-catching color.

How to Make Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your potatoes some attention—peel them if you like, and use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice them uniformly to about ¼-inch thickness. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and turn out tender without falling apart. Gather and measure everything else; it makes assembly so much smoother!

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they’re turning soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Now, add your ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and cook until the beef is nicely browned, then drain off any excess fat. This flavorful base sets the stage for und Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!’s irresistible taste!

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Lightly grease a medium baking dish—this stops any stuck-on bits. Arrange half of the potato slices along the bottom in an even layer. Spread on half of your beef mixture, then scatter half of the shredded cheddar over the top. Repeat the layers with the rest of the potatoes, beef, and cheddar cheese. To finish, gently pour the beef broth and milk (if using) evenly around the edges so everything gets moist during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. This steam bath softens the potatoes while the flavors meld gorgeously. When time’s up, take off the foil, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is a bubbling, deeply golden crown. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll know it’s time for Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! when the potato edges look temptingly crisp.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish & Serve

Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes—this helps everything set, making it easier to cut perfect portions. Just before serving, shower the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Now, grab a big spoon and dig into the melty, meaty, potato-packed goodness!

How to Serve Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!

Garnishes

Top your casserole with sprigs of fresh parsley or snipped chives for a punch of bright green. If you like a little kick, a quick grind of black pepper or dash of smoked paprika right before serving really brings everything together. For extra indulgence, try a dollop of sour cream on each serving—this cools the warmth and pairs beautifully with the cheesy potato layers.

Side Dishes

Since Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! is already so hearty, I love pairing it with simple, fresh sides. A leafy green salad with a tangy vinaigrette brightens things up, or lightly steamed green beans add crunch and color. For extra coziness, you could add some crusty bread, perfect for mopping up any saucy bits.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, portion out your Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! into individual ramekins before baking—everybody gets their own mini casserole with a perfectly golden top! Or, for a family-style meal, serve right from the baking dish with a big spoon, letting everyone dig in. You can even try layering in a second cheese blend (like mozzarella) for a surprise gooey center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! is a lifesaver for busy days. To store, simply let the casserole cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to three days. A tightly sealed container keeps the flavors fresh and prevents it from drying out.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream. Cool it completely, slice into portions, then wrap each piece well in foil or airtight containers. The layers maintain their texture for up to two months frozen—just label with the date so you remember when to plan your next delicious meal.

Reheating

To reheat Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole lightly with foil to prevent it from drying out, and warm for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbling. For single servings, the microwave works too—just heat until piping hot and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the point just before baking and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it stand at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.

What’s the best potato variety for this casserole?

I love Yukon Golds for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape, but Russets also work beautifully for a slightly fluffier bite. Thin, even slices are the key—use a mandoline if you have one!

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! While sharp cheddar delivers classic flavor, you can swap in Monterey Jack for a milder melt, or even mix in some mozzarella or Gruyere for a twist.

Is Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! gluten free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free as written, provided your beef broth is certified gluten free. Always double-check ingredient labels if serving people with allergies.

Can I add vegetables to Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious!?

Certainly! Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach can be layered in with the beef for extra pops of flavor and color. Just be careful not to overload the dish so all layers bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about pulling a bubbling dish of Ground Beef & Potatoes – Quick & Delicious! from the oven and gathering everyone around the table. If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that always delivers, this casserole is it. Give it a try and let it become your new favorite comfort classic!

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