Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ground Beef & Bacon dish is a perfect choice. Featuring layers of cheesy goodness, savory ground beef, and crispy bacon, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 box scalloped potatoes
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can cream of potato soup
- 1 pack bacon, chopped
- Shredded cheese (about 1 cup)
Directions:
- Cook Ground Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and seasonings of your choice. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onions with the can of cream of potato soup. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Prepare Pan: Take a 13×9 inch baking pan and spread the uncooked scalloped potatoes evenly across the bottom of the pan. This will form the base layer of your dish.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, prepare the sauce according to the instructions on the scalloped potatoes box. This typically involves mixing the sauce packet with water and sometimes butter.
- Layer Ingredients: Pour the beef and potato soup mixture over the layer of scalloped potatoes in the pan, spreading it out evenly. Then, pour the prepared sauce mixture over the top of the beef and potato layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and cook uncovered for 25 minutes. This will allow the potatoes to start cooking and the flavors to meld together.
- Cook Bacon: While the dish is baking, cook the chopped bacon in a separate skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain.
- Top & Finish Baking: After the initial 25 minutes of baking, remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces and shredded cheese over the top of the dish. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once fully cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish hot from the oven.
Tips:
- Extra Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of garlic powder or smoked paprika with the ground beef as it cooks.
- Cheese Varieties: Use sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor, or mix in some pepper jack for a bit of a spicy kick.
- Soup Substitution: If you’re not a fan of cream of potato soup, try using cream of mushroom or cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Conclusion
This Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ground Beef & Bacon is not only quick and easy to prepare but also rich and satisfying, making it an ideal comfort food dish for any occasion. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and crispy bacon is sure to become a favorite in your household.