🧀 Cheesy Ground Beef & Crispy Potato Casserole
This cheesy ground beef and potato casserole is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with gooey melted cheese! Perfect for an easy family dinner. 😍
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and shredded
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Shred the potatoes and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the beef
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the garlic and ground beef. Season with paprika, black pepper, salt, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Bake the potato layer
Grease an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Spread the shredded potatoes evenly across the bottom and press them down lightly. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes begin to turn golden.
- Add the beef and cheese
Spread the cooked ground beef over the potato layer. Drizzle with heavy cream if desired. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake until bubbly
Return the dish to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If needed, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with dried parsley or Italian seasoning. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Oven Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
❤️ Tips for the Best Results
- Squeeze the potatoes dry for a crispier texture.
- Use both cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor and stretchy cheese.
- Make sure the ground beef is fully cooked before assembling.
- Serve hot for the best cheesy, crispy texture.
Enjoy this delicious, cheesy comfort-food casserole! 😋🧀