A hearty casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, layered with tender potatoes, creamy cheese, and zesty spices, baked to perfection for a comforting, all-in-one meal.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and toasty for the casserole. Take a 9×13 inch baking dish, give it a light spray with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks, and set it aside. This little prep work makes cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Ground Beef and Onion
Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the beef turns a delicious brown and the onion becomes tender. You'll want to keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent any burning. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, giving it all a good stir to coat the beef evenly with those lovely spices.
Step 3: Make the Soup Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the milk. Whisk them together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This will serve as the comforting sauce that ties all the flavors together in your casserole.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Start assembling your casserole by laying down half of the thinly sliced potatoes at the base of your prepared dish. Follow this with half of the seasoned beef mixture, spreading it evenly over the potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef, then sprinkle on 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Now, repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, soup mixture, and cheese, ensuring each layer is even and tidy.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover your masterpiece with aluminum foil, ensuring the edges are sealed to keep in the moisture. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for an hour. After this time, carefully remove the foil and allow it to continue baking for 20 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the potatoes are tender, and the cheese on top is bubbly with a lovely golden hue.
Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, give the casserole a few minutes to cool—it'll make serving easier and saves your tongue from getting burned! Cut it into hearty portions and serve while warm. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, savory bite!
It's easy to misstep with this comforting dish, but no worries! One common blunder is not slicing the potatoes thinly enough. Thick slices can stay undercooked, leaving you with a crunchy surprise. Aim for consistent, thin cuts for even cooking.
Another trap is neglecting to drain the beef well. Excess grease can make your casserole soggy. Take a moment to drain it thoroughly after browning.
Moreover, seasoning is key. Skipping spices might lead to a bland bite. Remember to embrace those seasonings!
Finally, patience is a virtue. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to manage those molten cheese moments.
Keywords: Beef Potato Bake, Ground Beef Potato Casserole, Hamburger and Potato Bake, Meat and Potato Casserole, Cheesy Hamburger Potato Dish, Beef and Potato Gratin