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Cheesy Loaded Potato and Beef Casserole

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This hearty casserole features layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners and makes delicious leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup extra shredded cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Lay out bacon on a sheet pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until crispy. Remove, drain, and crumble.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt butter, add diced onion, and sauté until caramelized (about 5 minutes).
  4. Add ground beef to skillet, breaking it up. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cheddar, mozzarella, sour cream, and milk. Stir until mostly smooth.
  6. Peel and thinly slice potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  7. Layer half the potatoes in the casserole dish. Top with half the beef mixture, then half the cheese sauce. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce. Press down gently.
  8. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  9. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheese and crumbled bacon. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra browning if desired.
  10. Let casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or chives.

Notes

For best results, slice potatoes evenly and use freshly shredded cheese for a creamier melt. Let the casserole rest before slicing for neat portions. Add veggies like peas or corn for extra nutrition, or swap in ground turkey for a lighter version. The casserole can be assembled ahead and baked when ready. Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy casserole, loaded potato casserole, beef casserole, family dinner, comfort food, easy casserole, make ahead, gluten free, kid friendly, bacon, potatoes, ground beef, cheese

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/cheesy-loaded-potato-and-beef-casserole-recipe-easy-family-dinner/