🥔 Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (like scalloped)
• 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained) — optional
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
• Butter or oil for greasing

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🔥 Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   → Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef
   → In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned.
   → Drain excess grease.
   → Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
   → Stir in diced tomatoes if using.
3. Mix the Sauce
   → In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole
   • Layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish.
   • Spread half the beef mixture on top.
   • Pour half the soup mixture over it.
   • Sprinkle with ½ cup cheese.
   • Repeat layers: potatoes → beef → soup → cheese.
5. Bake
   → Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
   → Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Rest & Serve
   → Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving so it sets nicely.
   → Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

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💡 Optional Variations

• Add frozen peas, corn, or green beans for color and flavor.
• Use cream of celery soup for a lighter flavor.
• For extra richness, mix in a little sour cream with the soup mixture.