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Cheesy Loaded Ranch Potato & Beef Casserole

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A hearty, comforting casserole loaded with thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy ranch sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 4 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Sauté, breaking up the beef, until browned and onions are soft (6-8 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and milk until smooth. Add a splash more milk if too thick.
  4. Peel and thinly slice potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick).
  5. Layer half the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the beef mixture, half the ranch sauce, and half the shredded cheeses. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, ranch sauce, and cheeses.
  6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-25 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. Top with crispy bacon, green onions, and parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF-certified ranch seasoning. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and mayo, and use reduced-fat cheese. Slice potatoes thinly for even cooking. Let casserole rest before slicing for best results. Leftovers keep well and can be frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, ranch, potato, beef, cheesy, easy dinner, comfort food, family meal, loaded potato, ground beef, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/cheesy-loaded-ranch-potato-and-beef-casserole-easy-dinner-recipe/