Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Bake (Printable Version)

Savory mix of browned beef, diced potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese baked until golden.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 pounds peeled and diced russet potatoes
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

→ Meat

05 - 1 pound lean ground beef

→ Dairy & Sauces

06 - 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
07 - 1 cup 2% milk
08 - 1/2 cup sour cream
09 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish and add the diced potatoes evenly.
02 - In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onions over medium heat, breaking up the meat until browned, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and frozen mixed vegetables. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer this mixture to the casserole dish over the potatoes.
04 - In a medium bowl, blend condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
05 - Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and potato layers. Stir gently to combine and flatten the mixture evenly in the dish.
06 - Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
07 - Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and potatoes are tender.
08 - Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Using russet potatoes ensures a fluffy texture after baking. Adjust seasoning towards the end to control saltiness.