As someone who loves comfort food, I am always on the lookout for hearty and satisfying recipes that are easy to make. One dish that never fails to hit the spot is classic beef and potato casserole. This timeless dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
At its core, beef and potato casserole is a layered dish that typically includes ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce. The ingredients are baked together in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. While there are many variations of this recipe, the basic components remain the same. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes, whether you prefer to add vegetables, spices, or different types of cheese.
Ingredients for Classic Beef and Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Preparation Steps
Preparation of Beef
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F. While the oven heats up, brown one pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add one chopped onion and one minced garlic clove to the skillet and cook until the onion is tender and the beef is browned.
Add one can of diced tomatoes, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, one teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
Preparation of Potatoes
While the beef mixture simmers, peel and slice four medium-sized potatoes. Place the potato slices in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and set them aside.
Combining Ingredients
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked potatoes on the bottom. Then, spoon half of the beef mixture on top of the potatoes. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake the casserole for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
And that’s it! With just a few simple steps, you have a delicious Classic Beef and Potato Casserole ready to serve.
Baking Instructions
To bake the Classic Beef and Potato Casserole, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
It’s important to note that baking times may vary depending on your oven and altitude, so keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time to ensure that it doesn’t overcook.
Once the casserole is finished baking, it’s ready to be served. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Classic Beef and Potato Casserole, there are a variety of options that can complement the dish. Here are a few suggestions:
Side Dishes
A side dish can add some variety and balance to the meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans
- A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Storage and Reheating Tips
As someone who loves to meal prep, I know how important it is to store and reheat food properly to maintain its quality and flavor. Here are a few tips to help you store and reheat your Classic Beef and Potato Casserole:
Storage Tips
- Allow the casserole to cool down to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Label the container with the date and contents.
- Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips
- To reheat the casserole from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- To reheat the casserole from the freezer, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, follow the instructions above for reheating from the refrigerator.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions of the casserole in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your Classic Beef and Potato Casserole for days to come without sacrificing its quality or taste.
Common Questions and Answers
As someone who has made this Classic Beef and Potato Casserole recipe many times, I often get asked some common questions about the dish. Here are some answers to those questions:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the casserole will be slightly different. Ground beef has a richer flavor and can hold up better in the casserole, whereas ground turkey is leaner and may become dry if overcooked. If you do decide to use ground turkey, I recommend using a mix of dark and white meat to add more flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Simply assemble the casserole as instructed in the recipe, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap or foil and bake as directed in the recipe. If the casserole is cold from the refrigerator, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. To freeze, assemble the casserole as instructed in the recipe, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, remove the casserole from the dish and wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed in the recipe. If the casserole is still partially frozen, you may need to add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
I hope these answers help you with any questions you may have about making this Classic Beef and Potato Casserole.
Conclusion
Classic Beef and Potato Casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its delicious combination of beef, potatoes, and vegetables, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes by adding different types of vegetables, spices, and seasonings. You can also make it ahead of time and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Another great thing about Classic Beef and Potato Casserole is that it’s a one-pot meal, which means that you don’t have to worry about washing a lot of dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables that you may have in your fridge.
Print
Classic Beef and Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F
Brown the ground beef over medium heat with onion and garlic.
Add diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set it aside.
Peel and slice four medium-sized potatoes. Place the potato slices in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook for about 10 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked potatoes on the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture on top of the potatoes. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
Notes
Baking Instructions after Refrigeration
To bake the Classic Beef and Potato Casserole, follow these simple steps:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
It’s important to note that baking times may vary depending on your oven and altitude, so keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time to ensure that it doesn’t overcook.
Once the casserole is finished baking, it’s ready to be served. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
