There’s something about comfort food that always hits the spot whether it’s a cold winter night, a family gathering, or just the craving for something hearty and satisfying. One dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen is Loaded Beef and Potato Bake. This recipe brings together the classic flavors of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection in one comforting casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Beef and Potato Bake
This dish combines everything we love about comfort food: warm, cheesy goodness, filling potatoes, and savory beef. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone at the table smile, especially after a long day. If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and filling dish, this Loaded Beef and Potato Bake is just the ticket!
Not only is this casserole indulgent, but it’s also versatile. You can add extra veggies for more flavor and nutrition or swap out some of the ingredients for a lighter twist. Plus, it’s a dish that will fill you up without being too heavy. So, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe is perfect for every occasion.
Let’s dive into the details of how to make this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to win hearts at the dinner table.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
For this Loaded Beef and Potato Bake, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each component plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures:
- 1 lb ground beef – The star of the dish, providing a rich, savory base. Ground beef is the perfect choice for casseroles because it cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavors of the seasonings and sauce.
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin – Russet potatoes are ideal for baking. Their fluffy texture when cooked perfectly contrasts nicely with the rich, cheesy sauce.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds a bit of sweetness and savory flavor to the beef mixture. Onions are a classic pairing with beef.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – A melty, gooey layer of cheddar cheese adds both flavor and a creamy texture when melted in the oven.
- ½ cup sour cream – This creamy addition enhances the texture of the sauce, providing a rich, tangy flavor that complements the beef and potatoes beautifully.
- 1 cup milk – To create the base of the creamy sauce, adding moisture and a silky texture to the final bake.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – This is used to thicken the sauce, ensuring that it coats all the layers and doesn’t run off the potatoes.
- 2 tablespoons butter – To create a flavorful roux for the sauce. Butter is key in making the sauce smooth and rich.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A bit of garlic enhances the savory flavors of the beef and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt – To season the dish and bring out the flavors in all the ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – To balance the richness of the sauce and beef with a little heat.
Instructions: How to Make Loaded Beef and Potato Bake
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to cook the potatoes thoroughly while melting the cheese and creating a bubbly golden top. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the dish from sticking.
2. Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion together. As the beef cooks, break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for an extra punch of flavor. Set the cooked beef aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to stir constantly to avoid any lumps. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and paprika for a creamy, flavorful sauce that will tie everything together.
4. Layer the Dish
Now, it’s time to build the layers. Start by spreading half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of your greased baking dish. Then, layer with half of the cooked beef mixture and top it with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese, layering each component evenly. Finally, pour the creamy sauce over the top of the casserole, ensuring it covers the entire dish.
5. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to soften the potatoes and allow the flavors to meld together. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Serve
Once your Loaded Beef and Potato Bake is done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set, making it easier to slice. Serve it alongside your favorite side salad, steamed vegetables, or even some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of ground beef and potatoes in this recipe makes it a hearty, satisfying meal. Potatoes are naturally starchy, so they take on the rich, creamy sauce while providing a nice contrast to the savory beef. The cheddar cheese adds an indulgent, melty layer that binds all the ingredients together. The sour cream adds a tangy note that balances the richness of the beef and cheese, making each bite just a little bit lighter.
This dish is not only filling but also incredibly customizable. You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for more flavor and texture. Or, if you’re looking for a lower-carb version, you can replace the potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini. The possibilities are endless!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Loaded Beef and Potato Bake
- Pre-cook the potatoes: To speed up the baking process, you can parboil the potato slices in boiling water for 5 minutes before layering them in the casserole dish. This ensures they cook through faster in the oven.
- Season well: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add more garlic powder, paprika, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Cheese variety: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, monterey jack, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Make it ahead: This dish can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
- Add a crispy topping: For an extra bit of crunch, sprinkle some bread crumbs or crushed crackers on top of the cheese layer before baking.
FAQs About Loaded Beef and Potato Bake
Q1: Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes! While russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes or red potatoes. Just note that the texture may vary slightly.
Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! This dish freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Q3: How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also top the casserole with some diced jalapeños for extra spice.
Conclusion
The Loaded Beef and Potato Bake is the perfect comfort food recipe that combines familiar ingredients in a way that feels both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, customizable, and oh-so-delicious. So next time you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal, give this recipe a try, and watch as it becomes your new favorite go-to dinner!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Wrap – Irresistible Comfort Food Recipe
- Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Garlic Knot Chicken Alfredo Ring – A Crowd-Pleasing Delight
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Loaded Beef and Potato Bake – The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Loaded Beef and Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese in every bite. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and paprika.
- Layer the Dish: Spread half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Layer with half of the cooked beef mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the Loaded Beef and Potato Bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish with your favorite side salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/6 of the dish)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Loaded Beef and Potato Bake, Ground Beef, Comfort Food, Cheesy Potato Casserole, Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole