Nora
When cozy comfort food is the goal, Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes delivers everything you crave in a single dish. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheese, it’s the kind of hearty, family-approved dinner that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight crowd or prepping ahead for busy days, this casserole is a time-saving solution packed with familiar flavors. Think rich, savory beef tucked into soft potatoes under a golden cheesy crust — simple, satisfying, and seriously craveable.
What Is the Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes?
This dish is a classic American casserole made from browned ground beef, tender cubed or sliced potatoes, and a cheesy, creamy sauce. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, delivering a comforting bite with every forkful. Some variations include cream of mushroom soup or sour cream, but the essence remains the same: a one-pan wonder full of flavor and warmth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan, Full Meal: Protein, carbs, and dairy all in one.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike enjoy the creamy, cheesy richness.
- Flexible Ingredients: Swap in sweet potatoes or use leftover meat.
- Great for Meal Prep: Reheats well and can be frozen ahead of time.
- Customizable: Add veggies, change the cheese, or spice up the seasoning.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 5 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
How To Make the Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Sauté
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease. Add chopped onion and garlic to the pan and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cubed potatoes on the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then pour half of the sauce evenly over that. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Then remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.
What to Serve with Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes
Balance the richness of this casserole with something crisp or fresh. Try a bright green salad with vinaigrette, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli. A side of garlic bread or buttermilk biscuits also complements the creamy, cheesy texture perfectly.
Top Tips for Perfecting Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes
- Parboil the Potatoes: For faster bake time, briefly boil the cubed potatoes before layering.
- Use Sharp Cheddar: It delivers a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- Let it Rest: Allow 10 minutes after baking to help set the layers.
- Add a Crunch: Top with crushed crackers or French fried onions before the final bake for extra texture.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the beef for deeper flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Assemble and freeze unbaked (without cheese topping) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through or microwave individual servings.
FAQs
Overcrowding the baking dish and skipping pre-cooking the beef can lead to uneven cooking and excess moisture. Always drain the fat and layer evenly for the best results.
Start covered to lock in moisture, then uncover near the end for a browned, bubbly top. This combo ensures both tenderness and texture.
Bake at 375°F for about 60 minutes covered, then an additional 15-20 minutes uncovered to melt the cheese and finish cooking.
One pound of ground beef can make tacos, spaghetti sauce, burgers, meatloaf, or casseroles like this Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes. It’s a versatile base for many quick meals.
Use a flavorful sauce, season each layer, and mix textures by adding crispy toppings. Fresh herbs or sharp cheese can also elevate the dish.
Yes, 1 pound typically serves 2 to 3 people generously, especially when combined with other filling ingredients like potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
You might also love the Cheesy Zucchini Casserole, a comforting delight that brings veggies into a creamy baked form. For more beef-based creations, try my Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta — it’s indulgent and easy to whip up on a weeknight.
Another favorite is the Cowboy Casserole, packed with tater tots, cheese, and ground beef for a rustic, crowd-pleasing dish. Or try the Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash for a hands-off approach to hearty meals.
And don’t miss the Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole — golden, crunchy, and satisfyingly savory from the first bite.
Save and Share This Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes
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If you try this Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you use Yukon Gold or russet? Did you sneak in any veggies?
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Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Foil
- Oven
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 5 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the potatoes, half the beef, and half the sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil, top with cheese, and bake uncovered for 15-20 more minutes.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.