Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

A Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is one of those Dinners that makes everyone happy. It’s warm, filling, and made with simple ingredients. You don’t need fancy tools or hours in the kitchen. This recipe uses ground beef, potatoes, and cheese to make a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights.

If you want a dish that feels homemade and hearty, this one’s for you. It’s also great for using what you already have in your pantry. Let’s go step-by-step so you can make it easily.

Potato Ground Beef Casserole

What Is Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a baked dish made from layers of sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, cheese, and a creamy sauce. Everything cooks together in the oven until the top turns golden and bubbly.

It’s a classic “meat and potatoes” meal that’s been around for decades. Many families grew up eating it because it’s simple and affordable. You can make it your own by changing the cheese, adding veggies, or using different seasonings.

Think of it as a mix between scalloped potatoes and a cheeseburger casserole. It’s cozy, satisfying, and great for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few ingredients to make this casserole. Here’s what to gather:

• 1 pound ground beef – Use lean beef so it’s not greasy.
• 5 medium potatoes – Russet or Yukon Gold work best. Slice them thin.
• 1 small onion – Adds flavor and a bit of sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic – Fresh or minced from a jar.
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup – Or make your own white sauce.
• 1 cup milk – Helps make the sauce creamy.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Or use mozzarella or Colby Jack.
• Salt and pepper – To season.

You can also add extras if you like:

• A handful of frozen peas or corn.
• A pinch of paprika or chili flakes.
• A few slices of cooked bacon for a smoky touch.

These ingredients are simple, but together they create rich, layered flavors.

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Here’s how to put everything together:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the beef. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any extra fat. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Make the sauce. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with milk until smooth. You can add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for more flavor.
4. Layer the casserole. Place half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Spread half the beef mixture on top. Pour half the sauce over it. Repeat the layers with the rest of the potatoes, beef, and sauce.
5. Add cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake. Cover with foil and bake for about 50–60 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the top is browned and the potatoes are tender.

When it’s done, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.

Tips for the Best Results

• Slice potatoes thinly. Thick slices take longer to cook.
• Cook the beef fully before layering. Raw beef won’t cook evenly in the oven.
• Don’t skip the resting time. It keeps the layers firm and less watery.
• Use freshly grated cheese if possible. It melts better than packaged shredded cheese.

If your potatoes are still firm after baking, cover the dish again and bake another 10 minutes.

Variations You Can Try

This recipe is flexible. You can change it to match your taste or what’s in your kitchen.

Add vegetables.
Mix in corn, green beans, peas, or diced carrots with the beef. It adds color and nutrients.

Make it spicy.
Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder. You can even swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.

Try different meats.
Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage also work well.

Use sweet potatoes.
For a twist, swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. They bring a mild sweetness that pairs well with the beef.

These simple tweaks keep the recipe interesting every time you make it.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

This casserole is filling on its own, but it pairs well with a few simple sides:

• Green salad. A fresh salad with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber balances the rich flavors.
• Steamed vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus work great.
• Bread or rolls. Use them to soak up the sauce.
• Soup. Tomato or vegetable soup makes a warm pairing in colder months.

You can also top the casserole with fresh parsley or green onions for color before serving.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole keeps well, making it great for meal prep.

• Refrigerate: Let it cool first. Then cover or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It freezes up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave single portions until hot.

When reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge first. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.

Recipe FAQ,s

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day as directed.

Can I use raw potatoes?
Yes, as long as they’re thinly sliced. They’ll cook perfectly in about an hour.

Can I make it without soup?
You can. Mix 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 cup milk in a saucepan to make a quick white sauce. Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free cheese. Skip the soup and make your own sauce with plant-based butter.

What kind of cheese is best?
Cheddar is the classic choice, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses also taste great.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish works because it uses layers that cook together. The beef adds flavor. The potatoes soak up the sauce. The cheese gives it a smooth, creamy finish. Every bite has something different — soft potatoes, seasoned beef, melted cheese.

It’s easy to make and uses ingredients you probably already have. There’s no complicated technique, and you can prep it in 20 minutes.

It also reheats well, which means you can make it once and eat it for days.

Simple Serving Example

If you want a full meal idea, here’s a good setup:

• Main: A serving of Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole.
• Side: A bowl of mixed greens with olive oil and lemon dressing.
• Bread: One or two dinner rolls.
• Drink: Iced Tea or lemonade.

That’s a balanced meal hearty, fresh, and easy to make.

Extra Tips for Success

• Use a mandoline slicer if you want evenly thin potato slices.
• Check doneness by poking the potatoes with a fork. They should be soft but not mushy.
• Add cheese halfway through baking if you want a thicker, gooier top.
• Try mixing cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for flavor variety.

These small changes can make your casserole stand out.

Why It’s a Great Family Meal

Families love this casserole because it’s simple and filling. Kids usually enjoy it because of the cheese and mild flavor. Adults like that it’s easy to clean up afterward — it’s a one-dish meal.

You can double the recipe for parties or leftovers. It’s also a nice option for potlucks because it stays warm for a long time.

And since it uses budget-friendly ingredients, it’s perfect when you want a home-cooked meal without spending much.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is classic comfort food. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy days. You only need a few pantry staples, and the oven does most of the work.

Serve it for dinner, take it to a potluck, or save leftovers for the week. Either way, it’s a dish everyone will enjoy.

If you like hearty recipes like this, try Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan or Crockpot Tex-Mex Chili next. They’re just as easy and satisfying.