Ground Beef and Potato Bake 🥔🍖
This Ground Beef and Potato Bake is a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory ground beef with tender potatoes, topped with a delicious cheesy layer. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Prepare the Potato Layer:
- In the prepared baking dish, arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in a single layer. You can overlap them slightly for a more compact layer.
4. Combine the Creamy Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the milk and sour cream until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish.
5. Layer the Beef and Cheese:
- Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly. Top the beef with the shredded cheddar cheese. If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
6. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Tips:
- Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a crispy top: Broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end to give the cheese a golden, crispy top.
- Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
This Ground Beef and Potato Bake is the perfect comforting, one-pan dinner that everyone will love. Enjoy! 🍽️
