Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Ground Beef and Potato Bake, a wholesome dish that promises warmth and satisfaction. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese create a delicious one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Vegetables:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
- 2 to 3 medium-sized Russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup yellow onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Dairy and Creamy Components:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 10.75-ounce (305 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
Seasonings and Toppings:
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- French fried onions (for topping)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 375°F and coat a casserole dish with cooking spray for easy release.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat while cooking until no pink remains.
- Add diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
- Create a creamy sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup with sour cream, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profiles.
- Arrange potato slices in two uniform layers across the greased baking dish, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper for balanced taste.
- Distribute the seasoned ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the potato layers, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Drizzle the creamy soup mixture across the casserole, spreading carefully to create a consistent layer.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface for a rich, melty topping.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until potatoes become tender when tested with a fork.
- Remove foil and garnish with crispy French fried onions, returning to oven for an additional 5 minutes until onions turn golden brown.
- Allow casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from oven, then garnish with fresh green onions or parsley for added freshness.
- Slice into hearty portions and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.
Notes
- Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- For a healthier version, swap full-fat ingredients with low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt, lean ground beef, and reduced-fat cheese.
- Enhance flavor by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg