Let’s face it, some nights just scream for a big, warm hug in a dish. This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is exactly that – hearty, savory, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of comforting meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile, and the best part? It mostly comes together in just one pan!

Imagine tender, perfectly diced potatoes mingling with seasoned ground beef and earthy mushrooms, all bathed in a rich, creamy gravy and crowned with gooey, melted cheddar cheese. This is a truly *whizzy* recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

### Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Casserole

This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy households and comfort food cravings.

* **Pantry Staples Power:** You’ll likely have most of these simple ingredients on hand, making it a perfect last-minute dinner solution.
* **Built for Flexibility:** We’ll show you how to craft this cheesy potato casserole from scratch, but if you’re in a pinch, we’ve got a super-easy canned soup shortcut too!
* **Budget-Friendly Bliss:** Ground beef and potatoes are economical heroes. This recipe stretches your dollar while providing a filling, delicious meal.
* **Unforgettable Flavor:** Every spoonful offers a cozy blend of savory beef, soft potatoes, and that irresistible, golden-brown cheddar. This hearty casserole truly hits the spot!

### Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

**Yields:** 8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Total time:** 1 hour 15 minutes
**Difficulty:** Easy

#### Ingredients:

* 2 tablespoons cooking oil
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
* 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, roughly chopped
* 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
* 2 teaspoons garlic herb or your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend (adjust to your preference)
* ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
* 2 ½ cups chicken broth
* 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes (about 0.3 inches, roughly 4 cups total)
* ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or sprinkle on more for extra cheesiness!)

#### Instructions:

1. **Prepare for Cooking:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). For best results, use a 3.5 to 4-quart oven-safe skillet or a similar-sized casserole dish. Take a moment to chop your vegetables and gather all your ingredients.
2. **Sauté the Veggies:** In your chosen oven-safe skillet, melt the cooking oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and chopped mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
3. **Brown the Beef:** Push the vegetables to one side and add the ground beef to the skillet. Lightly season the beef with salt and pepper. Cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns, until no pink remains. Stir in the tomato paste and your preferred garlic herb or all-purpose seasoning blend. Mix everything together thoroughly.
4. **Create the Gravy:** Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir continuously until all the dry flour is absorbed and forms a paste with the meat. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken into a rich gravy.
5. **Simmer the Potatoes:** Stir the small, diced potatoes into the ground beef gravy. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then immediately lower the heat to a very low setting (medium-low to low). Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are halfway tender. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Keep the heat low to avoid scorching the bottom.
6. **Add Cream and Cheese:** In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and cornstarch until it’s smooth and lump-free. Stir this creamy mixture into the skillet. Next, fold in half a cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and incorporates into the casserole. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top.
7. **Bake to Perfection:** Carefully transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly, the cheese on top is beautifully golden, and the potatoes are perfectly tender. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the skillet with aluminum foil.
8. **Rest and Serve:** Once baked, remove the cheesy ground beef and potato casserole from the oven. Let it rest on the counter for 10-20 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the rich gravy to thicken properly and the casserole to set, making each scoop perfect!

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### Pro Tips for Casserole Success

* **Potato Perfection:** Cut your potatoes into small, uniform cubes, ideally no larger than 0.25-0.3 inches. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender within the specified time. If you’re short on time, microwave the diced potatoes for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
* **Gentle Heat is Best:** While simmering the potatoes on the stovetop, always maintain a low simmer and stir frequently. This prevents the casserole from sticking and scorching at the bottom of the pan.
* **Don’t Skip the Rest:** The resting time after baking is essential! It allows the rich gravy to thicken and the entire casserole to settle, resulting in perfectly cohesive and delicious servings. For an extra thick and chunky texture, aim for a 20-minute rest.

### Ground Beef and Potato Casserole FAQs

Got questions about making this comforting dish? We’ve got answers!

**Can I use canned soup in this recipe?**
Yes, you can for an even quicker preparation! Skip the butter, flour, broth, and heavy cream/cornstarch. Instead, stir two cans of condensed soup (cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, or cheddar cheese soup all work wonderfully) into the skillet after browning the beef. Since canned soup provides less liquid, it’s a good idea to microwave your diced potatoes for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the skillet to ensure they cook through properly.

**Can I use frozen diced hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?**
Absolutely! Frozen diced hash browns are a fantastic shortcut. If you use them, you’ll only need to simmer them for about 5 minutes on the stove with the beef mixture before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

**My potatoes didn’t cook through, what went wrong?**
The most common reason for undercooked potatoes is cutting them too large. Ensure you dice them into uniform pieces, no larger than 0.25-0.3 inches. When cut correctly, they should be tender after 10 minutes of simmering and 25-30 minutes of baking. For guaranteed tenderness or to speed things up, microwave the diced potatoes for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet.

**Can I skip the heavy cream?**
You certainly can! If you omit the heavy cream, your casserole will have a more gravy-like consistency rather than being traditionally creamy. It’s still incredibly delicious and a bit lighter! You might want to add an extra ¼ cup of chicken broth to ensure there’s enough liquid for the potatoes to become tender.

### Perfect Pairings for Your Whizzy Casserole

This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also shines alongside simple sides. Here are some Whizzy suggestions:

* **Crusty Bread:** Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious gravy. Try our Easy Shortcut Homemade Buns!
* **Green Salad:** A light, fresh green salad offers a crisp contrast to the rich casserole.
* **Simple Veggies:** Easy Sautéed Green Beans make a quick and healthy addition.

### More Whizzy Dinner Favorites

Craving more easy and comforting meals? Explore these delicious collections on Whizzy Recipes!

* **Ground Beef Delights:** Discover more fantastic ground beef recipes that your family will adore.
* **One-Pan Wonders:** For those nights when you want minimal cleanup, check out our one-pot meal ideas.
* **Soups & Stews:** Dive into our collection of warm, hearty soups and stews perfect for any cozy evening.

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