Hearty Old-Fashioned Potato and Beef Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 to 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream soup (cream of mushroom or cream of chicken works well)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: cooked bacon bits, green onions, or diced peppers
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Prepare the creamy mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the cream soup and milk until smooth and creamy.
Layer the casserole
Place a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish. Add part of the cooked beef mixture, then sprinkle cheese over the top. Pour some of the creamy sauce over the layer. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
Add butter
Dot the top with small pieces of butter for extra richness and flavor.
Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let it rest
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
Serving Ideas
This comforting casserole pairs perfectly with:
• Fresh salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables
• Pickles or coleslaw
Tips
• For extra flavor, add crispy bacon or smoked sausage.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a creamier texture.
• Thin potato slices cook faster and absorb more flavor.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors blend together.
