Ground Beef And Potato Casserole Recipe

Instructions How To Make Ground Beef And Potato Casserole

• Preheat the oven to 375F.
• Peel the onions and cut into quarters. Slice the onions in a food processor fitted with a slicing disk.
• Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.  Add the sliced onions to the frying pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat.
• Peel the potatoes and cut into quarters. Slice the potatoes in a food processor fitted with the same slicing disk. Put the potatoes in a bowl and set aside.
• Mix the ground beef with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper.
• Press the ground beef mixture into the bottom of an 8×12 non-stick baking dish, so the beef is in a single smooth layer.
• Put the fried onions on top of the beef, and distribute the onions evenly.
• Sprinkle the sliced potatoes with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/8 tsp of pepper. Put the mayo on the potatoes, and toss the potatoes with your hands so they are coated with mayo.
• Put the potatoes on top of the onions in a layer.
• Sprinkle the potatoes with shredded cheese.
• Cover the baking dish with foil.
• Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove the foil from the top and bake for another 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this casserole hot, straight out of the oven, with a simple Mediterranean Parsley and Feta Salad for a complete meal.
• Pair it with a Crispy Air Fryer Naan Bread or Fluffy Dinner Rolls to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and a pop of color.
• Enjoy it as a stand-alone dish—it’s hearty and filling enough on its own!
• For a party or potluck, serve it buffet-style alongside other crowd-pleasers like Healthy Roasted Rainbow Veggies or a Creamy Classic Macaroni Salad.

Tips For Success

• Slice Evenly: Use a food processor for slicing the potatoes and onions. Consistent slices ensure even cooking, so no piece is over- or underdone.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. Proper seasoning at each layer enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
• Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture. They cook up soft and absorb the flavors beautifully.
• Press the Beef Firmly: When layering the ground beef, press it firmly into the dish to ensure it cooks evenly and stays cohesive during baking.
• Cover During Baking: Covering the casserole with foil traps steam, ensuring the potatoes cook through without drying out. Removing the foil later allows the cheese to brown nicely.
• Check Doneness: Test the potatoes with a fork before removing the casserole from the oven. If they’re not tender, cover the dish again and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier cheese pull.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meat Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or different flavor profile. For a vegetarian twist, use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, you can use mozzarella for a mild flavor, Monterey Jack for creaminess, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Add Veggies: Layer in vegetables like sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor. Sauté them first to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Seasoning Twists: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the beef for more depth. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme can elevate the flavor.
• Different Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture, or sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness. Adjust seasoning to complement the potato variety.
• Lower-Carb Version: Substitute potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower or turnips to reduce carbs while keeping the dish hearty.
• Creamy Boost: Mix a bit of cream or milk into the mayo to create a richer potato coating. You can also substitute mayo with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or red chili flakes for a kick of heat. Spicy enthusiasts will love this bold variation!
• Single-Serve Portions: Assemble the casserole in ramekins or individual baking dishes for personalized servings. This is great for dinner parties or meal prep.