This hearty ground beef and potatoes casserole is a family favorite! Layered with tasty ground beef, creamy veggies, and bubbly cheese, it’s comfort food at its best.
It’s perfect for busy nights, you just mix it up, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic. Plus, it makes great leftovers, if it even lasts that long! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works great too! They’re lower in fat yet still flavorful.
Potatoes: Regular russet potatoes create a nice texture, but you can swap in Yukon gold or red potatoes. Sweet potatoes also add a unique twist in flavor and nutrition.
Bell Peppers: Use any color bell pepper you like! Red and yellow are sweeter, while green adds a bit of bitterness. If you’re out of peppers, you can use zucchini or carrots as a substitute.
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with liquids are key for moisture, but if you don’t have any, chopped fresh tomatoes or tomato sauce can work in a pinch.
Seasonings: The chili powder, cumin, and paprika bring warmth and depth. If you’re out of chili powder, taco seasoning makes a great alternative! Adjust according to your spice preference.
How Do You Ensure the Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the potatoes right is vital for a cozy casserole. To make sure they’re tender, cut them into small, even-sized pieces to promote uniform cooking. Remember, sauté them first lightly, as it starts the cooking and adds flavor.
- Mix the potatoes with other ingredients and ensure they are evenly coated with moisture.
- Covering the dish with aluminum foil helps steam the potatoes during the first stage of baking.
- After the initial bake, uncover and let it sauté; this adds a nice texture on top.
Delicious Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red, green, or a mix)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with liquids)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-50 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need about 1 hour total to get this hearty casserole served and ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Skillet:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large skillet and add the olive oil. Heat it over medium heat, and once it’s nice and warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s fully browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat so your casserole doesn’t get greasy!
3. Combine the Vegetables and Spices:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Stir in the diced bell peppers, diced potatoes, the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the juices), chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together really well so that all the flavors combine.
4. Bake the Casserole:
Transfer this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes to let everything cook through and get tender.
5. Final Touches:
After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil. Then, continue baking for another 10-15 minutes. This will help the potatoes get nice and fork-tender. Once it’s done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle your chopped green onions over the casserole for a fresh pop of flavor. Now, it’s ready to serve! Grab a spoon and enjoy your delicious ground beef and potatoes casserole!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like lentils or textured vegetable protein. Just adjust the cooking time as needed; for lean meats, watch for dryness and consider adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! You can enhance the casserole by adding vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or corn. Just chop them into small pieces and add them in with the potatoes to ensure everything cooks evenly.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top for extra flavor!
