ADVERTISEMENT
### Instructions
#### Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by **preheating the oven** to 375°F (190°C). Peel and slice the **potatoes** into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer works wonderfully for this, ensuring uniform thickness. Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Set them aside while you prepare the beef mixture.
#### Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat **1 tablespoon of olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **ground beef** and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the **diced onion** and **minced garlic** to the pan, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Season the mixture with **salt**, **pepper**, **thyme**, and **paprika** (if using). Stir in the **cream of mushroom soup** and **milk**, mixing everything together until it forms a creamy, cohesive filling. Set this mixture aside.
#### Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of **potato slices** at the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping them. Season the potatoes with a little **salt** and **pepper**. Next, spread half of the **ground beef mixture** over the potatoes, smoothing it out evenly. Repeat this process with another layer of **potatoes** and the remaining **ground beef mixture**.
#### Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once all the layers are assembled, sprinkle the **shredded cheese** evenly over the top. This will melt into a deliciously cheesy topping as it bakes.
#### Step 5: Bake the Dish
Cover the baking dish with **aluminum foil** and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for **45 minutes**. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional **15 minutes**, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
#### Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Once the **Potato and Ground Beef Bake** is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set and make it easier to cut into neat portions.
### Tips for Making the Perfect Potato and Ground Beef Bake
– **Use Starchy Potatoes**: For the best texture, use starchy potatoes like Russets, which will become soft and tender when baked.
– **Add Veggies**: You can boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish by adding vegetables such as **carrots**, **bell peppers**, or **spinach**. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the beef.
– **Spice It Up**: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of **cayenne pepper** or a diced **jalapeño** to the beef mixture.
– **Swap the Meat**: While ground beef works perfectly for this recipe, you can substitute **ground turkey** or **ground chicken** for a lighter option.
– **Make It Creamier**: For an extra creamy texture, you can mix in some **sour cream** or **cream cheese** into the beef mixture.
– **Freezer-Friendly**: This bake can be assembled ahead of time and frozen. Simply cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
### Serving Suggestions
This **Potato and Ground Beef Bake** is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:
– **A green salad** with a light vinaigrette
– **Steamed vegetables** like broccoli or green beans
– **Garlic bread** for a delicious carb-on-carb experience
– **Roasted or sautéed mushrooms** for extra earthy flavor
### Why You’ll Love This Potato and Ground Beef Bake
1. **Comfort Food at Its Best**: There’s something about the combination of potatoes, ground beef, and cheese that makes this dish irresistibly comforting.
2. **Easy and Convenient**: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that will feed a crowd and be loved by everyone at the table.
3. **Affordable**: This dish uses common, affordable ingredients, making it an excellent choice for budget-friendly family meals.
4. **Customizable**: Add your favorite ingredients or swap out others to make it your own. Whether you prefer more vegetables or a different type of cheese, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your preferences.
### Conclusion
The **Potato and Ground Beef Bake** is the ultimate comfort food casserole. It combines the savory goodness of ground beef with tender potatoes, creamy soup, and melted cheese, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a casual dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. With easy prep and a delicious outcome, this recipe is a keeper for your recipe box. Enjoy!
ADVERTISEMENT
