If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal, then look no further than this Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole! This dish is the epitome of home cooking, combining layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese that simply melt in your mouth. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, meal prep for the week ahead, or a dish to impress at a potluck, this casserole is a classic family favorite and sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.

What makes this Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole a standout recipe is not just its rich flavors but also its simplicity. With straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions, even novice cooks can whip this up effortlessly. The combination of textures—from the crispiness of the seasoned beef to the soft and creamy potatoes—makes this dish irresistible. And let’s not forget about the generous layers of cheese that create a luscious topping! In this article, you will find everything you need to know to successfully prepare this dish, including step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, nutritional information, and storage recommendations.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole

Comforting Dish: The comfort of a hearty casserole is unmatched, perfect for any family gathering.
Flavorful Layers: Each layer builds up incredible flavor, making it a delightful experience with every bite.
Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe is friendly for all skill levels.
Family Favorite: Its cheesy goodness tends to appeal to both kids and adults alike—everyone loves it!
Meal Prep Ready: Ideal for meal prepping, this dish can be made ahead and reheated, saving you time in the kitchen.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to get your kitchen and workspace organized. Start by gathering all your ingredients: ground beef, potatoes, cheese varieties, seasonings, and creamy elements. Make sure your tools are ready at hand; you’ll need a large skillet for cooking the beef, a small saucepan for the cream mixture, and a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling the casserole. It’s also wise to have a cutting board and sharp knife for slicing the potatoes and chopping the onion and garlic. A spatula will be essential for mixing, and you might want to have measuring cups and spoons for precision in your seasoning.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup beef broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Oven

Start by getting your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that by the time you’re ready to bake the casserole, the oven is hot and ready to create that bubbly, cheesy deliciousness. While the oven warms, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is heated, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and create a fragrant base. Now, introduce the ground beef into the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula, stirring regularly, and cook until browned, which should take approximately 5-7 minutes. After cooking, be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Season the beef mixture with smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir thoroughly to combine, then remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Cream Sauce

Grab a small saucepan and place it over low heat. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through. There’s no need to boil it—you simply want a seamless blend that will enhance the casserole’s creaminess. Once combined, remove from heat and set it aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Layers

Now comes the fun part—layering! Start by laying down a generous layer of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Next, spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process: another layer of sliced potatoes, the remaining beef, and top it off with the rest of the cheddar cheese. To bring it all together, pour the creamy broth mixture evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring every layer is moistened. Lastly, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, which will give that gooey finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Now it’s time to bake! Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to bake for 45 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil to uncover the cheesy goodness and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it during these last minutes to catch that golden, bubbly cheese just when it’s perfectly melted.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Once baked, remove your casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This brief resting time helps the layers settle and makes serving easier. For a fresh touch, customize your dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top for color and added flavor. Slice into generous pieces and serve warm to enjoy this comforting Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole with your loved ones.

Variations

Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even try incorporating sausage for extra flavor.
Vegetables: Add layers of sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase the nutritional content and add variety.
Spices: Experiment with other spices like cayenne for a kick, or Italian seasoning for a different twist on flavor.

Cooking Notes

Ensure to slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking and tenderness throughout the casserole.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends, such as pepper jack for a spicy version!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
Serving with crusty bread or garlic bread complements this hearty dish well.

Tips

Make ahead: You can prep the casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking; just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Leftovers: This casserole stores well in the fridge for several days, making it ideal for meal prep, and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 550
Protein: 32g
Sodium: 720mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Using frozen potatoes is possible, but fresh potatoes deliver the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, ensure they’re thawed and drained adequately.

What can I do if my cheese isn’t melting well?

If the cheese isn’t melting well, try covering the casserole with foil for part of the baking time. This helps to trap steam and encourages the cheese to melt beautifully.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in aluminum foil and freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that combines cheesy flavors with comforting textures, perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed hot out of the oven or as a meal prep favorite through the week, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your family members coming back for more. Remember, cooking should be fun! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, seasonings, and variations to make this dish your own. Don’t forget to share your experience or any creative twists you tried in the comments below!