Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish made with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1.8 kg (4 lbs) russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 450 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 can (295 g / 10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (354 ml / 12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1–1½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- (Optional) 1–2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- (Optional garnish) fresh parsley
Instructions
1 Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about ⅛ inch thick).
- Place them in a pot of lightly salted water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 5–7 minutes until just slightly tender (do not fully cook).
- Drain and set aside.
2 Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cook until no liquid remains, then remove from heat.
3 Make the Cream Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and evaporated milk.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4 Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Spread a small amount of sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly.
- Add the cooked ground beef mixture on top.
- Pour some of the sauce over the beef.
- Add the remaining potatoes.
- Pour the rest of the sauce evenly over the top.
- (Optional) Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
5 Bake
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and bubbling.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables
- Great with garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Perfect as leftovers — flavors get even better the next day
Tips & Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for extra vegetables
- Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken for a deeper flavor
- Make it cheesy by adding cheese between layers
- For a spicy version, add chili flakes or hot sauce