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Beef and potato casserole

Name: Beef and potato casserole
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef, preferably 85/15 blend for optimal flavor and texture; 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 2 medium yellow onions, finely diced for even distribution throughout the dish; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press; 2 cups beef broth, preferably low-sodium to control saltiness; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for rich creaminess; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated and divided; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded for optimal melting; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor; 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning the meat; 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

★★★★★ 4.8/5

💬 30 comments

⏱️

85min Time

👥

8 servings Servings

🟡

Medium Difficulty

💰

Moderate Cost

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450 kcal Calories

Meat and potatoes proving they\’re the ultimate comfort food power couple

Video Tutorial

ℹ️ Video Disclaimer: This video is embedded from YouTube and is not owned by us. All rights belong to the original creator. Watch on YouTube

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef, preferably 85/15 blend for optimal flavor and texture
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
2 medium yellow onions, finely diced for even distribution throughout the dish
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced or pressed through a garlic press
2 cups beef broth, preferably low-sodium to control saltiness
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for rich creaminess
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated and divided
1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded for optimal melting
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor
2 tablespoons olive oil for browning the meat
2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center for even heat distribution

Grease a deep 9x13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking

Add ground beef to the hot skillet and brown thoroughly, breaking it into small chunks with a wooden spoon

Once beef is browned, add diced onions and garlic, cooking until onions become translucent and fragrant

Season the meat mixture with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine thoroughly

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared casserole dish, slightly overlapping them for even coverage

Spread half of the seasoned meat mixture over the potato layer, then sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese

Repeat layers with remaining potatoes and meat mixture, reserving some cheese for the final topping

Whisk together beef broth, cream, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl until well combined

Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the layers in the casserole dish, allowing it to seep between layers

Top with remaining cheddar and all of the mozzarella cheese

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes until potatoes are tender

Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden brown and bubbly

Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set properly

Kitchen Tools

Large deep casserole dish (9x13 inches) for proper layering
Sharp chef's knife or mandoline for slicing potatoes
Large skillet for browning meat and vegetables
Measuring cups and spoons for accurate portioning

Chef's Tips

Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin potato slices that will cook evenly throughout the casserole

Brown the ground beef in batches if necessary to ensure proper caramelization and flavor development

Allow dairy ingredients to come to room temperature before using for better incorporation and texture

Pat the potato slices dry with paper towels before layering to prevent excess moisture in the final dish

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

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If potatoes aren't cooking evenly, cover dish with foil and extend cooking time

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If too much liquid accumulates, remove foil earlier to allow excess moisture to evaporate

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If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil while continuing to bake

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If mixture seems dry, add additional warm broth mixed with cream

🔄 Recipe Variations

Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning, corn, and black beans to the meat mixture

Italian Version: Include Italian herbs, mushrooms, and use Italian cheese blend

Loaded Baked Potato Style: Top with bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream

Garden Vegetable: Add layers of zucchini, carrots, and peas between the potato layers

🥗 Healthy Alternatives

Substitute ground turkey or lean ground chicken for the beef to reduce saturated fat content

Use low-fat milk thickened with a little cornstarch instead of heavy cream

Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower florets for fewer carbohydrates

Use reduced-fat cheese and increase the herbs and spices for fuller flavor

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair with a fresh garden salad dressed with light vinaigrette to balance the rich casserole

Serve alongside steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus

Offer crusty whole grain bread for soaking up the delicious sauce

Garnish with fresh herbs and a dollop of light sour cream

Nutrition Facts

450

Calories

28g

Protein

35g

Carbs

22g

Fat

🥗 Suitable Diets

High protein main dish suitable for omnivorous diets

Can be adapted for gluten-free diets as written

Not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets without major modifications

Can be made dairy-free using appropriate milk and cheese substitutes

🎨 Presentation Ideas

Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the top just before serving

Crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor

Diced fresh tomatoes and green onions for color and freshness

Crumbled bacon bits for extra savory flavor

📦 Storage & Conservation

Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months

Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot throughout, about 20-25 minutes

♻️ Leftover Ideas

Transform into shepherd's pie by adding more vegetables and topping with mashed potatoes

Use as a hearty filling for warm sandwiches or wraps

Create a new casserole by layering with additional cheese and vegetables

Serve over rice or pasta for a completely different meal

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not browning the meat thoroughly, which can result in a greasy final dish

Slicing potatoes too thick, leading to undercooked layers in the center

Adding too much liquid, which can make the casserole soupy instead of creamy

Not allowing the casserole to rest before serving, resulting in runny portions

FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? ▶

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking

How do I prevent the potatoes from turning brown? ▶

Keep sliced potatoes in cold water until ready to use, then pat dry thoroughly

Can I use different types of potatoes? ▶

Yes, but starchy potatoes like russets work best for maintaining structure

Why is my casserole watery? ▶

This usually happens if the potatoes weren't dried well or too much liquid was added

Reviews

Sarah M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jan 22, 2026

This casserole is absolutely amazing! The layers of flavor are perfectly balanced.

Michael P.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Jan 22, 2026

Great comfort food recipe, though I added extra garlic for more punch.

Rachel T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jan 23, 2026

My new go-to dinner party dish! Everyone always asks for the recipe.

James B.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Jan 22, 2026

Solid weeknight meal that the whole family enjoys.

Linda K.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jan 8, 2026

Reminds me of my grandmother's recipe but even better!