Hearty Ground Beef Potatoes

This cozy ground beef and potato casserole has saved countless weeknight dinners in my household when time is short but comfort food cravings are strong. The combination of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese creates a satisfying one-dish meal that brings everyone to the table.

I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something hearty that could stretch for several meals. My husband declared it an instant classic, and it's now our go-to when hosting casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: the foundation of flavor, use 80/20 for best results without being too greasy
• Potatoes: Russets or Yukon Golds work wonderfully here; they hold their shape while absorbing all the savory flavors
• Onion: adds essential sweetness and depth; choose yellow onions for their balanced flavor
• Garlic: fresh cloves provide punchy flavor that dried simply cannot match
• Cheddar cheese: opt for sharp cheddar for maximum impact; grating your own prevents anti-caking agents
• Sour cream: creates the creamy binding texture; full-fat offers the richest result
• Beef broth: adds moisture and intensifies the savory notes; low-sodium allows better seasoning control
• Olive oil: for sautéing; extra virgin is not necessary here
• Salt: enhances all other flavors; kosher salt is preferred for more even distribution
• Black pepper: freshly ground provides the best aromatic quality
• Dried thyme: brings earthiness that complements beef beautifully
• Paprika: adds subtle color and mild sweetness; regular or smoked both work well

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients:

Dice potatoes into uniform half-inch cubes for even cooking. Take time to chop the onion finely and mince garlic properly as these aromatics form the flavor foundation. Having everything ready makes the cooking process seamless.

Create The Flavor Base:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add onions first, cooking for about 4 minutes until translucent and soft. Add garlic during the last 30 seconds to prevent burning. This aromatic base infuses the entire dish with flavor.

Brown The Beef:

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle all seasonings evenly across the meat. Cook until completely browned with no pink remains, about 5 minutes. The fond developing on the pan bottom is pure flavor.

Deglaze And Reduce:

Pour beef broth into the hot pan, stirring immediately to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the mixture to gently bubble for 3 minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate flavors. The liquid should decrease by about one-third.

Combine Components:

In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the beef mixture with raw diced potatoes. The residual heat begins softening the potatoes. Add sour cream and half the cheese, stirring until evenly distributed. The mixture should look creamy but not soupy.

Bake To Perfection:

Transfer everything to a 9x13 baking dish, ensuring an even layer. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top. Cover with foil, creating a tight seal that allows the potatoes to steam properly. Bake covered then uncovered until potatoes yield easily to a fork and cheese bubbles vigorously.

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The secret ingredient here is truly the paprika. My grandmother always added it to her potato dishes, and that subtle warmth transforms what could be a basic casserole into something truly crave-worthy. I remember my son asking "what's that special taste?" after his first bite, and I smiled knowing the family tradition continued.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes customization based on your family's preferences. Try adding a cup of frozen mixed vegetables when combining ingredients for added nutrition and color. Mexican-inspired variation works beautifully with taco seasoning replacing the thyme and topped with pepper jack cheese. For an Italian twist, incorporate Italian seasoning and a cup of marinara sauce before baking.

Storage and Leftovers

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water or broth before microwaving to maintain moisture. The flavors actually develop further after a day in the fridge, making this perfect for meal prep. Portioned leftovers freeze exceptionally well for up to three months when wrapped tightly in foil and placed in freezer bags.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish stands alone as a complete meal, pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette creates the perfect balance. For casual entertaining, set out small bowls of additional toppings like sliced green onions, extra sour cream, or hot sauce allowing guests to customize. During colder months, crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of goodness completes the comfort food experience.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since you'll be starting with cold ingredients.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream with a similar tanginess and lower fat content. As mentioned in the notes, cream cheese or heavy cream will create an even richer texture.

→ Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?

No pre-cooking is necessary if you dice the potatoes into small, uniform cubes (about 1/2 inch). The baking time is sufficient to cook them through. For larger chunks, you might want to parboil them for 5 minutes first.

→ What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers, and broccoli all work wonderfully. Add frozen vegetables directly to the mixture, but fresh vegetables should be briefly sautéed with the onions before combining.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Portion cooled leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout (about 20-25 minutes).

→ What herbs can I use instead of thyme?

Rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning blend would all complement the flavors nicely. Fresh herbs work too—just use three times the amount of dried herbs called for in the recipe.