This was gone before anything else on the table disappeared.

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This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole brings classic comfort food to a whole new level. Tender slices of potato combine with a flavorful beef and onion mixture, creating a hearty layered dish. What makes it stand out is the homemade cheese sauce—blending condensed soup, milk, and freshly grated cheddar results in a smooth, creamy texture that pre-shredded cheese just can’t replicate.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Ingredients

For the Base:

1½ lbs ground beef (80–90% lean)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Potato Layers:

2 lbs potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Creamy Sauce:

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper, divided

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Slice the potatoes into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick.

Tip: Try to keep the slices uniform so they cook evenly. A mandoline slicer works well, but careful hand slicing is fine too.

Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat for 7–9 minutes, until browned. Add the garlic during the last minute of cooking, then drain any excess fat. Stir in half of the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, remaining salt and pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese until smooth.

Optional: For extra flavor, mix in a little paprika or garlic powder.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread a few tablespoons of the sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of half the potatoes, followed by half the beef mixture, then half of the remaining sauce. Repeat the layers once more. Gently press down on the top layer so the sauce seeps into the gaps.

Step 5: Bake in Two Stages

Cover with foil and bake for 45–55 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and the potatoes are tender.

Step 6: Let It Rest
Allow the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve neatly.

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