Imagine a dish that combines the hearty richness of ground beef, the creamy comfort of potatoes, and a blanket of melted cheese that'll make your family rush to the dinner table. This Cheesy Pots and Ground Beef Casserole isn't just a meal—it's a warm hug on a plate that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the ground beef and sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Layer the diced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potato layer.
- Pour the soup and milk mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the casserole to season the layers.
- Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake covered for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with optional fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a more complex taste profile.
- Ensure your potatoes are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking throughout the casserole.
- If you want a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking to achieve a golden, slightly crisp cheese layer.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and richer flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese without compromising too much on taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
