Ground Beef Casserole

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Cooking the Beef

2. Prepare the skillet: Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat in a large skillet.
3. Sauté onions and garlic: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Browning the Beef

4. Add ground beef: Crumble the lean ground beef into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until beef is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Layering the Casserole

5. Layer the potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Add beef mixture: Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the layer of potatoes.
7. Add tomato sauce and fire-roasted tomatoes: Pour half of the tomato sauce and fire-roasted tomatoes over the beef layer, spreading evenly.
8. Sprinkle with cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the tomato layer.
9. Repeat layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef mixture, tomato sauce, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
10. Top with cheese: Finish with the remaining shredded cheese on top.

Baking

11. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
12. Uncover and bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving

13. Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
14. Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil for an extra burst of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cook’s Notes and Variations