If you’re searching for a delightful, comforting dinner idea that’s not only budget-friendly but also loved by the entire family, then look no further than this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole. This dish beautifully combines layers of thinly sliced potatoes with savory ground beef, all enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce and crowned with a golden topping of cheddar. It’s essentially the ultimate one-pan meal!

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or any time you want a meal that reheats well. Imagine tender layers of creamy potatoes, rich ground beef, and melted cheese each time you serve it. Not only does it fit seamlessly into your recipe rotation for quick and easy meals, but it’s also heartily filling, ensuring that even the hungriest appetites are satisfied. With its combination of flavors and textures, this hearty casserole is guaranteed to have the whole family requesting seconds, making it a fantastic option for those who love dinner ideas that blend comfort with convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole boasts several appealing qualities:

Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep work required, this recipe allows you to spend more time enjoying meals with your loved ones.
Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes makes this dish accessible for everyone.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, it’s a great meal to keep energy levels up.
Versatile: This casserole is equally delightful for dinner as it is for potlucks or brunch gatherings.
Reheatable: This casserole tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create a seamless baking experience for your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools beforehand. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which ensures that the casserole bakes evenly. Next, make sure you have a 9×13-inch baking dish ready, as well as a large skillet for cooking the beef and onions. A sharp knife and cutting board are a must for slicing the potatoes into thin rounds, while a whisk will help blend your soup and milk into a smooth mixture. Having measuring cups and spoons handy allows for precise ingredient amounts, and don’t forget kitchen towels for easy cleanup!

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
4 cups thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of cheddar soup (or cream of mushroom)
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously grease it. This step is crucial to ensure that your casserole doesn’t stick when it’s time to serve!

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Next, you’ll want to wash and slice the Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes into ⅛-inch thick rounds. The thin slices will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly throughout the casserole, blending perfectly with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is browned and completely cooked through, typically about 7-10 minutes. To enhance the flavor, season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). After cooking, drain any excess fat to keep your casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, take the cream of cheddar soup and mix it with the cup of whole milk. Use a whisk to blend the two until smooth and creamy. This mixture will serve as the luscious sauce that binds the casserole.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

It’s time to assemble! Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Following this, add half of the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Next, drizzle half of the soup and milk mixture over the beef, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers: potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and finish with cheese on top. This layering creates a wonderful depth of flavor!

Step 6: Bake

Cover the assembled casserole tightly with foil to trap moisture, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes. After which, carefully remove the foil and allow it to bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden and the potatoes are tender.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once baked, it’s important to let your cheesy ground beef and potato casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers settle and keeps the filling intact when serving. When ready to serve, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a vibrant touch.

Variations

Protein: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or try adding cooked sausage for extra flavor.
Vegetables: Incorporate diced peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with different spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian herbs to vary the flavor profile of your casserole.

Cooking Notes

For crispier potatoes, consider pre-cooking the potato slices in boiling water for a few minutes before layering them in the casserole.
Feel free to substitute the cream of cheddar soup with a homemade cheese sauce for a richer taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple garden salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
A side of garlic bread pairs wonderfully to soak up any cheesy goodness.

Tips

For added flavor, use flavored cheese blends, like a Mexican cheese mix, instead of just cheddar.
To streamline meal prep, slice and dice all your ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 24g per serving
Sodium: 600mg per serving

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just ensure it’s properly covered and can be stored for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What type of potatoes work best?

We recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes as they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a creamy texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer for a unique twist.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is more than just comfort food; it’s a reminder of family gatherings, cozy dinners, and delicious moments shared around the table. With its ease of preparation and delightful flavors, it’s a dish that every home cook should have in their collection. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover the joy it brings to dinner time. Feel free to experiment with your own variations and don’t hesitate to share your experience or your favorite ways to enjoy this cheesy delight in the comments!