Name: Beef & Tater Bake: A Hearty, Comforting Meal for All Seasons
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef: The base of the casserole. Ground beef provides a rich, savory flavor and pairs wonderfully with the potatoes and cheese.; 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly: The potatoes serve as the foundation for the casserole, providing a soft, comforting texture and a crispy top layer when baked.; 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef.; 2 cloves garlic, minced: A savory base note that enhances the overall flavor profile.; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables): These add color, nutrients, and a bit of sweetness to balance the savory beef and potatoes.; 1/2 cup beef broth: Helps to keep the casserole moist as it bakes and infuses the flavors with a rich, savory taste.; 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle herb that complements the beef and vegetables.; 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the beef and vegetables.; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat.; 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beef and onions.; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides the cheesy, gooey topping that’s a key part of this casserole’s appeal.; 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a creamy, tangy note to the casserole that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.; 1/4 cup milk: Helps to smooth out the sour cream and create a creamy sauce that coats the casserole.

Description

Beef & Tater Bake is a hearty, one-dish casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory vegetables into a comforting, satisfying meal. The ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and seasonings before being layered with a generous topping of mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly. The dish often includes a mix of peas, carrots, or corn, adding both flavor and color to the bake. This rustic, filling casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a simple, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 lb ground beef: The base of the casserole. Ground beef provides a rich, savory flavor and pairs wonderfully with the potatoes and cheese.
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly: The potatoes serve as the foundation for the casserole, providing a soft, comforting texture and a crispy top layer when baked.
1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef.
2 cloves garlic, minced: A savory base note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables): These add color, nutrients, and a bit of sweetness to balance the savory beef and potatoes.
1/2 cup beef broth: Helps to keep the casserole moist as it bakes and infuses the flavors with a rich, savory taste.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle herb that complements the beef and vegetables.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the beef and vegetables.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beef and onions.

For the Cheese Topping:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides the cheesy, gooey topping that’s a key part of this casserole’s appeal.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a creamy, tangy note to the casserole that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
1/4 cup milk: Helps to smooth out the sour cream and create a creamy sauce that coats the casserole.

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Instructions

STEP 1: PREHEAT YOUR OVEN AND PREPARE THE PAN

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent the casserole from sticking.

STEP 2: COOK THE GROUND BEEF

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, then stir in the frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables). Add 1/2 cup of beef broth, stirring to combine, and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE

Place a layer of the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. You’ll want to cover the entire bottom of the dish with a layer of potatoes.

Top the potato layer with half of the beef mixture, spreading it evenly over the potatoes. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining beef mixture. Finally, add a final layer of potatoes on top.

STEP 4: MAKE THE CREAMY TOPPING

In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the top layer of potatoes.

STEP 5: BAKE THE CASSEROLE

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook and soften without getting too crispy on top.

After 40 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

STEP 6: LET IT REST AND SERVE

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This gives the dish a chance to set and makes it easier to serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 380 kcal
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30
Protein: 28g