Cheesy Beef, Potato & Bean Casserole 

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What Makes This Casserole So Irresistible

Casseroles are beloved because they bring everything together in one dish, and this one hits every comfort note:

  • Savory, well-seasoned ground beef
  • Soft, buttery potatoes that absorb flavor
  • Beans for texture, protein, and heartiness
  • Tomato richness for depth
  • Melted cheese that binds everything together

It’s the kind of meal that feels warm, generous, and nostalgic, perfect for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or feeding a crowd without stress.

🛒 Ingredients Overview

Let’s start with everything you’ll need. Simple, affordable ingredients that transform into something truly special once baked together.

🥩 Ingredients for the Beef Mixture

  • 700 g (1½ lb) ground beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)

🥔 Ingredients for the Potato Layer

  • 1 kg (2.2 lb) potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

🫘 Additional Ingredients

  • 1½ cups cooked beans (pinto, kidney, or brown beans)
  • 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup beef broth or water

🧀 Cheese Topping

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: mix with mozzarella for extra melt

🔪 Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot (for potatoes)
  • Baking dish (rectangular or square)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

🧼 Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes

Potatoes are the backbone of this casserole, so getting them right is essential.

  1. Peel and cube the potatoes into evenly sized pieces.
  2. Place them in a pot of salted water.
  3. Bring to a boil and cook for 8–10 minutes, until just fork-tender.
  4. Drain well and set aside.
  5. Toss with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.

👉 Tip: Don’t overcook—potatoes should finish cooking in the oven.

🔥 Step 2: Cooking the Beef Base

This is where the deep, savory flavor starts.

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef and break it apart.
  5. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
  7. Stir well to coat the beef evenly.

The aroma at this stage is already incredible.

🍅 Step 3: Building the Sauce

Now we turn the beef into a rich, casserole-ready filling.

  1. Add diced tomatoes to the skillet.
  2. Stir in tomato paste.
  3. Pour in beef broth or water.
  4. Add cooked beans and mix gently.
  5. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.

The mixture should be thick but saucy—not dry.

🧱 Step 4: Assembling the Casserole

This is where everything comes together.

  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Lightly grease your baking dish.
  3. Spread half of the potatoes evenly on the bottom.
  4. Add the beef and bean mixture on top.
  5. Cover with the remaining potatoes.
  6. Press gently to level the surface.

Each layer ensures flavor in every bite.

🧀 Step 5: Adding the Cheese Topping

The best part—no holding back here.

  1. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
  2. Cover every corner for even melting.
  3. Optional: add a little extra paprika or pepper on top.

This cheese layer will melt, bubble, and brown beautifully.

🔥 Step 6: Baking to Perfection

  1. Cover the dish loosely with foil.
  2. Bake for 25 minutes.
  3. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes.
  4. Cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  5. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Resting helps the casserole set and slice cleanly.

🍽️ Step 7: Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

  • Simple green salad
  • Pickles or olives
  • Crusty bread
  • Steamed vegetables

Serve hot, with melted cheese stretching beautifully from the pan.

🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Skipping seasoning layers
  • ❌ Overcooking potatoes before baking
  • ❌ Using too little sauce
  • ❌ Not resting before serving

Avoid these and your casserole will be perfect.

🔄 Delicious Variations

🌶️ Spicy Version

Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.

🥬 Vegetable Boost

Add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.

🧀 Extra Creamy

Mix a little cream or sour cream into the beef.

🍗 Chicken Version

Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey.

🥗 Nutritional Highlights

  • High in protein
  • Rich in fiber from beans and potatoes
  • Filling and energy-packed
  • Budget-friendly

It’s comfort food that actually keeps you full.

❤️ Final Thoughts: Eat or Pass?

Absolutely EAT. Every time.

This cheesy beef, potato, and bean casserole is:

✔ Easy to make

✔ Family-approved

✔ Perfect for leftovers

✔ Rich, cozy, and satisfying

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