Ever have one of those evenings where you crave something hearty and comforting, but you’re short on time and energy? I was in that exact spot last week, staring into my fridge with a rumbling stomach and zero inspiration. That’s when I pulled out some ground beef and potatoes, and this Garlic Butter Ground Beef & Potato Bake came to life. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth from the first bite, with tender potatoes and savory beef mingling in a rich garlic butter sauce. You’re going to love how simple it is to throw together, even on your busiest days.
What I adore about this dish is how it transforms basic ingredients into a cozy feast. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is absolutely irresistible—think golden, crispy edges with a soft, flavorful center. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for family dinners or when you have friends over unexpectedly. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day. If you’re looking for another comforting chicken dish, you should try our creamy garlic chicken breasts recipe for a delicious alternative. Let’s dive into how you can make this comforting bake your new go-to recipe.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Category: Main Course
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
What You’ll Need
When I’m gathering tools for this recipe, I stick to basics that most home cooks already have on hand. A 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for ensuring everything cooks evenly, and a large skillet is essential for browning the beef to perfection. I’ve found that using a mandoline slicer makes prepping the potatoes a breeze, but a sharp knife works just fine if you’re careful. Don’t forget a mixing bowl for combining the garlic butter—it’s the star of the show here. From experience, having everything ready before you start makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
INGREDIENTS
As I line up my ingredients, I always take a moment to appreciate the colors and textures—the earthy potatoes, vibrant herbs, and rich beef. It’s like a little kitchen meditation that sets the tone for a relaxing cooking session. One trick I’ve learned is to let the butter soften slightly so it blends easily with the garlic, creating that luscious sauce we all love.
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (I prefer 85% lean for the best flavor)
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
PREPARATION
I recall the first time I made this for my neighbor after she’d had a rough week—the smile on her face was priceless. That’s the magic of comfort food; it brings people together. Don’t worry if your potato slices aren’t perfectly uniform; rustic charm adds to the homely appeal. Just layer them evenly so everything cooks through beautifully. For a sweet treat to follow up this savory meal, bake a batch of our cinnamon swirl pumpkin bread that fills your home with warm autumn spices.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic to create the garlic butter sauce.
- Arrange half of the potato slices in the baking dish, drizzle with half of the garlic butter, and sprinkle with thyme.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes, then layer the remaining potatoes on top.
- Pour the beef broth and heavy cream over everything, followed by the rest of the garlic butter.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it on and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Customization Ideas
One of the joys of this recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve swapped in sweet potatoes when I had them on hand, and the result was a slightly sweeter, equally delicious twist. If you’re looking to lighten it up, try using ground turkey instead of beef—it still soaks up the garlic butter wonderfully. For a veggie boost, layer in some spinach or sliced mushrooms between the potatoes; they add moisture and nutrients without overpowering the dish. Around here, we sometimes top it with breadcrumbs for extra crunch, which the kids absolutely adore.
Storage and Reheating
This bake stores like a dream, making it ideal for meal prep. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container—it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to maintain that crispy texture, though the microwave works in a pinch. You can also freeze it for up to a month; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. A tip I’ve learned is to add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it moist and flavorful.
If you’re planning a celebration or just want a fun dessert project, don’t miss our irresistible Starbucks copycat birthday cake pops that are perfect for parties and special occasions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this Garlic Butter Ground Beef & Potato Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it’s starting cold.
Garlic Butter Ground Beef & Potato Bake Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Garlic Butter Ground Beef & Potato Bake Recipe!
Nutrition Information
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce may be slightly less rich. I’ve used Greek yogurt thinned with a bit of milk, and it worked well too.
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
Pierce them with a fork; they should be tender with no resistance. If they’re still firm, cover and bake for another 5-10 minutes until done.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Ground Beef & Potato Bake is more than just a meal—it’s a hug in a dish that brings comfort to any table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy gathering, it’s reliable and utterly satisfying. Give it a try and share your experience; I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. For more hearty beef recipes, check out this collection of family favorites.