Instructions:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 3
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Step 4
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set aside.
Step 5
Prepare the potatoes: Slice the peeled potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.
Step 6
Start by arranging a layer of potato slices on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 7
Add ⅓ of the cooked beef mixture on top of the potatoes, spreading it evenly.
Step 8
Sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the beef.
Step 9
Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
Step 10
Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the Cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, and the remaining salt and pepper.
Step 11
Pour this mixture evenly over the layered casserole.
Step 12
Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
Step 13
After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the cheese on top turn golden and bubbly.
Step 14
Check for doneness: If the potatoes are thick, you may need to bake the casserole a bit longer, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 14
Serve and enjoy: Once the casserole is golden and bubbly, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole:
Even Slicing: Slice the potatoes as evenly as possible (about ¼-inch thick) to ensure they cook evenly and become tender throughout.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves you time on busy nights!
Cheese Variations: Try mixing different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for a twist on the classic cheddar flavor.
Meat Options: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or sausage for a lighter or more flavorful alternative.
Extra Creamy: For an even creamier casserole, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the casserole.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on 8 servings.
Calories: 370
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 680mg
Potassium: 850mg
Calcium: 230mg
Iron: 3mg