Introduction
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table without hesitation. It combines tender layers of potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese into a comforting dish that feels both nostalgic and dependable. I first prepared this casserole on a chilly evening when I needed something filling yet simple, and it quickly became a regular part of our dinner rotation. The creamy texture of the potatoes paired with savory beef and golden cheese creates a balanced, crowd-pleasing flavor. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its practicality. The ingredients are affordable, easy to find, and the preparation requires no complicated techniques. Whether you are feeding a family or preparing meals ahead for the week, this casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and convenience in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole offers a complete meal in one dish, combining protein, starch, and rich flavor. It is easy to assemble, perfect for busy weeknights, and ideal for meal prep. The layers bake together beautifully, creating a creamy interior and a golden, bubbly cheese topping. It is also highly customizable based on personal taste.
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Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and layers of melted cheese in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked beef mixture, then pour half of the soup mixture over it. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Slice potatoes evenly and thinly to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
- For a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
The foundation of the casserole, ground beef provides rich, savory flavor and hearty protein. Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while maintaining flavor.
Russet potatoes
Thinly sliced russet potatoes create tender, creamy layers as they bake. Their starch content helps thicken the casserole naturally.
Onion
Chopped onion adds depth and mild sweetness, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish.
Garlic
Minced garlic brings aromatic warmth and complements the beef perfectly.
Cream of mushroom soup
This creates a creamy binding sauce that keeps the casserole moist and flavorful throughout baking.
Milk
Milk thins the soup slightly, helping it spread evenly and penetrate the potato layers.
Cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, forming a golden topping and adding bold, tangy richness.
Salt
Enhances and balances the flavors of the beef and potatoes.
Black pepper
Adds subtle heat and seasoning depth.
Paprika
Provides mild warmth and a touch of color to the dish.
Olive oil
Used to sauté the beef and aromatics, helping build flavor at the base of the casserole.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon a portion of the beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by a layer of the soup mixture. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
This casserole can easily be adjusted to suit different tastes. For a creamier texture, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef. I once prepared it with ground turkey and added a pinch of Italian seasoning, and the result was just as satisfying.
For additional vegetables, consider layering thinly sliced carrots or adding peas between the beef layers. Bell peppers also add color and mild sweetness.
To create a spicier version, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. Pepper jack cheese can also replace cheddar for extra heat.
If you enjoy a crisp topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the final cheese layer before baking uncovered. This creates a golden, crunchy contrast to the creamy interior.
For a more robust flavor, try adding Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste to the beef while cooking. Each variation maintains the comforting essence of the dish while allowing flexibility for different preferences.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
This casserole is gluten-containing due to the condensed soup unless a gluten-free alternative is used. It is high in protein and suitable for hearty family meals.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Uniform Slicing
Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking throughout the casserole.
Drain Excess Grease
Properly draining the beef prevents the casserole from becoming oily.
Layer Evenly
Spread each layer carefully for balanced flavor in every serving.
Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to rest so it sets properly and slices cleanly.
Enhance Flavor
Add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary for additional depth.
FAQs
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?
No, thin slicing ensures they cook fully during baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack are excellent alternatives.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Insert a fork into the center; the potatoes should be tender and soft.
Can I freeze this casserole before baking?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw before baking.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pairs well to balance the richness.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a timeless comfort dish that combines simplicity with bold, satisfying flavor. Its creamy layers, hearty beef, and melted cheese create a dependable meal perfect for family dinners or make-ahead planning. With versatile customization options and straightforward preparation, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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