Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake: A Comfort Food Classic 🥔🍖🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a hearty, savory dish that combines the satisfying flavors of tender ground beef and creamy potatoes, look no further than the Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake. This comforting casserole, also known as Hobo Casserole or simply a Beef and Potato Bake, is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep. Its rustic appeal, combined with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, makes it a timeless recipe loved by all. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize the toppings and seasonings to suit your preferences, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
2. Ingredients for the Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, sliced thinly
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Making the Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake
Prepare the ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the potatoes and set aside. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Gather all ingredients to ensure smooth assembly.
Sauté the ground beef and vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then cook until browned and cooked through. For added flavor, you can include sliced mushrooms or bell peppers—explore your creativity!
For more tips on cooking ground beef, visit our ground beef and chopped cabbage recipe for alternative ideas.
Assemble the casserole
In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of sliced potatoes, then spoon the cooked ground beef mixture over it. Repeat layers if necessary, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top. Pour milk or heavy cream evenly over the top, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the potatoes for that delicious melted topping.
Bake to perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil and broil for an additional 3-5 minutes to melt and brown the cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finishing touch.
Looking for more hearty casserole ideas? Check out our ground beef and dumplings recipe for another satisfying dish.
4. Storage Tips for the Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake
This Hobo Casserole stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, pack leftovers in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave or place in the oven until heated through. For added convenience, consider using a Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker for easy reheating and keeping your leftovers warm.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake
This Beef and Potato Bake pairs wonderfully with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving with a simple green salad or some roasted carrots. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor. For more quick and delicious pasta dishes, explore our easy stovetop creamy ground beef pasta.
6. FAQs about the Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dinner.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, replacing regular potatoes with sweet potatoes will add a sweet, nutritious twist. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as sweet potatoes may cook faster.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat to make a vegetarian-friendly version that still offers rich flavor and comforting textures.
7. Related Recipes & Recommended Equipment
Enhance your cooking experience with quality kitchen tools like the CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set and the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker for quick meal prep and refreshment. For prepping ingredients efficiently, the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master is a great addition to your kitchen arsenal.
8. Conclusion
The Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake is a hearty, comforting dish that combines simple ingredients into a delicious, satisfying meal. Its rustic appeal makes it an ideal choice for family dinners and meal prep alike. With easy-to-follow steps, versatile ingredients, and helpful storage tips, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to explore our other recipe collection for more inspiring ideas to delight your taste buds!
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Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Nut-Free, High-Protein
Description
Enjoy a hearty and comforting meal with our Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake. This classic casserole combines tender ground beef, layered sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese for a flavorful family dinner. Perfect for meal prep and versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, sliced thinly
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thinly slice the potatoes and set aside. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then cook until browned and cooked through.
- In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of sliced potatoes. Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture over it. Repeat layers if needed, finishing with potatoes on top.
- Pour milk or heavy cream evenly over the layers. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Remove foil and broil for an additional 3-5 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables to customize the dish.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, sautéing
- Cuisine: Comfort Food