Few dishes are as comforting as a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven. This Beef and Potato Casserole with Mozzarella is a true family favorite, combining layers of crispy potatoes, savory beef, and creamy egg-sour cream custard, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekend meals.
This recipe is straightforward, requires simple ingredients, and delivers big flavor with every bite. Let’s dive into the details of how to prepare this delicious casserole
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Comfort Food Classic: Layers of crispy potatoes, seasoned beef, and melted cheese make this dish the ultimate comfort meal.
- Family-Friendly: It’s hearty enough to feed a hungry family and is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: You can swap in different cheeses, add vegetables, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole in advance and bake when ready for an easy dinner option.
- Balanced Flavors: The sour cream and tomatoes add creaminess and tang, balancing the richness of the beef and potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy beef and potato casserole:
- 4 eggs – helps bind the layers and adds richness.
- 100 g (⅓ cup) sour cream – creamy with a slight tang.
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste – basic seasoning.
- 800 g (5–6 medium) potatoes, peeled and sliced – forms the base of the casserole.
- Vegetable oil – for frying potatoes and beef.
- 700 g (1 ½ lbs) ground beef – the hearty protein.
- 1 onion, chopped – adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – brings aromatic flavor.
- 300 g (1 ½ cups) canned tomatoes in juice – adds acidity and moisture.
- 150 g (1 ½ cups) mozzarella cheese, grated – gooey topping.
- 1 tsp sweet paprika – adds mild smokiness.
- Additional salt and pepper – to season the beef mixture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. For even slices, use a mandoline slicer or carefully cut with a knife. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the potato slices in batches. Turn them occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In another skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Stir in the canned tomatoes with their juice, mix well, and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg and Sour Cream Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and sour cream until smooth. Season with a little salt and pepper. This mixture will bind the casserole layers and give it a creamy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with oil or butter.
- Arrange fried potato slices in an even layer on the bottom.
- Spoon the beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Pour the egg-sour cream mixture on top, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella over the top layer.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden, bubbling, and the casserole is set.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm with a fresh salad or garlic bread.
Tips for the Best Results
- Slice Potatoes Evenly: This ensures they cook consistently and layer neatly.
- Don’t Overcrowd While Frying: Fry potatoes in batches to keep them crispy.
- Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded.
- Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of oregano, thyme, or basil works beautifully.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking helps it hold together when sliced.
Variations to Try
- Vegetable Boost: Add layers of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Different Cheeses: Try cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan for unique flavors.
- Sweet Potato Version: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter dish.
- Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes, hot paprika, or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Mediterranean Style: Add olives and swap mozzarella for feta.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is filling on its own, but you can pair it with:
- Fresh Green Salad: A light vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, beans, or carrots add nutrition and color.
- Pickles or Relish: A tangy side helps cut through the creaminess.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Protein: 27 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
(Values are approximate and depend on portion size and specific ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze beef and potato casserole?
Yes, but it’s best frozen before baking. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
3. Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb work well as substitutes.
4. What type of potatoes are best?
Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal for crisping and layering.
5. How do I prevent a watery casserole?
Drain excess liquid from tomatoes before adding. Also, don’t overcrowd potatoes during frying.
6. Can I use raw potatoes instead of fried?
Yes, but you’ll need to bake longer (about 50–60 minutes) to ensure they cook through. Frying gives a crispier texture, though.
7. Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Definitely! The mild flavors and cheesy topping are usually a hit with children.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Potato Casserole with Mozzarella is the definition of hearty comfort food. The layers of crispy potatoes, savory beef, and creamy custard come together under a blanket of melted cheese for a dish that’s both simple and indulgent.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday family meals, or even as a potluck dish, this casserole is versatile, satisfying, and sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.