Description
Delight your palate with the classic comfort of a Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Bake. This casserole combines tender slices of potato, perfectly browned ground beef, and a rich cream of mushroom soup, all crowned with a melty cheese topping. Ideal for a cozy family dinner, this dish promises both ease and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
- 5 small potatoes
- 2 lbs of ground beef, browned
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese (Colby jack or cheddar)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Prepare the Beef
In a skillet, brown the ground beef until thoroughly cooked. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. For uniform thickness and quicker slicing, a mandoline slicer is recommended.
4. Mix the Soup Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Add salt and pepper to taste. Combine these until you achieve a smooth consistency.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. Begin layering with potatoes at the bottom, add a layer of cooked ground beef, pour over some soup mixture, and top with shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
6. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 1 hour. After this time, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
7. Rest and Serve
Once baking is complete, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes to settle. This makes it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy your hearty meal piping hot!
Servings & Preparation Time
- Servings: 6-8
- Total Preparation Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (15 minutes prep + 1 hour 30 minutes cooking)
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store leftover casserole in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through, approximately 20 minutes.
- For microwave reheating, place a serving on a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for about 2 minutes, or until hot.
Conclusion
The Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Bake stands out as a quintessential comfort food with its simple preparation and rich, satisfying flavors. Whether for a family dinner or a meal prep option, this casserole offers a delightful blend of ingredients that are sure to make it a regular in your culinary rotation. Savor the creamy texture, savory beef, and cheesy goodness that make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
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Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
Delight your palate with the classic comfort of a Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Bake. This casserole combines tender slices of potato, perfectly browned ground beef, and a rich cream of mushroom soup, all crowned with a melty cheese topping. Ideal for a cozy family dinner, this dish promises both ease and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
- 5 small potatoes
- 2 lbs of ground beef, browned
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese (Colby jack or cheddar)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Prepare the Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef until thoroughly cooked. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. For uniform thickness and quicker slicing, a mandoline slicer is recommended.
- Mix the Soup Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Add salt and pepper to taste. Combine these until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. Begin layering with potatoes at the bottom, add a layer of cooked ground beef, pour over some soup mixture, and top with shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 1 hour. After this time, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Rest and Serve: Once baking is complete, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes to settle. This makes it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy your hearty meal piping hot.