Description
A comforting Ground Beef and Potato Casserole featuring layers of tender sliced Russet potatoes, savory ground beef with sautéed vegetables, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy French fried onions. Perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Potatoes and Dairy
- 2-3 medium-sized Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Toppings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- French fried onions, for topping
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish using cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Add diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup with the sour cream. Mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preferences.
- Assemble the Casserole: Peel and thinly slice the Russet potatoes. Place half of the potato slices in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Add the remaining potato slices as a second layer, seasoning again. Evenly spoon the cooked beef and vegetable mixture over the potato layers. Pour the cream sauce over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle French fried onions over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the onions to crisp up. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease in the casserole.
- Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- French fried onions add a delightful crunch, but you can substitute with breadcrumbs if preferred.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
