Ground Beef Casserole 🍲🧀

Introduction

Some nights call for comfort in a casserole dish—and this Ground Beef Casserole delivers every time. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes, a rich, seasoned meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese on top, it’s the kind of oven-baked classic you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.

This dish is ideal for feeding a family, meal prepping, or serving at a cozy gathering. Plus, it’s flexible, freezer-friendly, and made with pantry staples.

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Why I Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients, big flavor
• Classic combo of ground beef, potatoes, and tomato sauce
• Topped with melty cheese and fresh basil
• Feeds a crowd, stores well, and satisfies every time
• Customizable with veggies, herbs, or your cheese of choice

It’s like a lasagna-meets-shepherd’s-pie-meets-scalloped-potatoes situation, and it’s absolutely crave-worthy.

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Ingredients

• ½ tbsp olive oil
• ½ tbsp butter
• ½ cup chopped onions
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 8 oz can plain tomato sauce
• 14 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• ¾ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease an 8×11-inch casserole dish and set it aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium.
• Add onions and cook 3–5 minutes, until softened.
• Stir in the garlic and cook 1 more minute.

3. Cook the Beef:

• Add ground beef to the pan. Break it up and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper.

4. Add Tomato Sauce:

• Stir in the tomato sauce and fire-roasted tomatoes.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Layer the Casserole:

• Place half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish.
• Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes.
• Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef sauce.
• Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake:

• Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. Rest & Serve:

• Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve warm.

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Tips for Success

• Slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate—aim for ¼-inch thickness.
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor, or substitute with regular crushed tomatoes if needed.
• Shred your own cheese for best melting and flavor.
• Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra veggies.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve this dish with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
• Dorito Casserole for a double-comfort-food night
• Chicken Enchiladas for a crowd-pleasing dinner spread
• Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo if you’re serving a Southern-themed menu

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Storage & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze cooled casserole portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave until hot

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More Recipes You’ll Love

If casseroles and hearty dishes are your thing, check these out:

• Dorito Casserole
• Easy Turkey Wings
• Chicken Enchiladas
• Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
• Instant Pot Lasagna

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Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Casserole is the kind of no-fuss dinner that makes you feel like a kitchen hero. It’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or making leftovers for the week, this dish is a reliable classic.

Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac—we love to see your layers of love!
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