Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

When it comes to comfort food that satisfies the whole family, few dishes can compete with the hearty combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole brings together these beloved ingredients in a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this casserole features layers of buttery sliced potatoes topped with a savory ground beef mixture and finished with a generous helping of melted cheese.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. The recipe balances simplicity with rich flavor, making it accessible for beginner cooks while still impressing those with more experienced palates. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for satisfying leftovers, this casserole delivers on all fronts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole has earned its place as a comfort food classic for several compelling reasons:

• Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef and potatoes creates a substantial meal that will satisfy even the biggest appetites.
• Budget-Friendly: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes makes this an economical option for feeding a family.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: The basic recipe serves as a fantastic foundation that can be adapted with different seasonings, vegetables, or cheese varieties to suit your family’s preferences.
• Leftovers That Shine: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before getting started on this delicious casserole, gather these essential ingredients that create the foundation of flavors in this hearty dish:

For the Potato Layer:

• 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ¼-inch thickness)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

• 1½ pounds lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• ½ cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Sliced green onions
• Sour cream for serving

Equipment Needed

Having the right tools on hand will make preparing this casserole much easier:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet for cooking the beef mixture
• Sharp knife and cutting board for preparing vegetables
• Mixing bowls of various sizes
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Potato peeler
• Aluminum foil for covering the casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfectly layered, flavorful casserole that will become a family favorite:

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Peel the potatoes and slice them into approximately ¼-inch thick rounds. Place them in a large bowl with cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the other components.
3. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
4. Measure out all remaining ingredients to have them ready for assembly.

Cooking the Ground Beef Mixture

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
2. When the beef is about halfway cooked (still showing some pink), add the diced onion to the skillet.
3. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then remove from heat and set aside.

Preparing the Potato Layer

1. Drain the sliced potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Arrange half of the seasoned potato slices in an overlapping layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Making the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the condensed cheddar soup, evaporated milk, and whole milk.
2. Whisk until smooth and heated through, but do not allow to boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
4. If desired, add the cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the first layer of potatoes in the baking dish.
2. Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the sauced potatoes.
3. Arrange the remaining potato slices on top of the beef layer.
4. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top layer of potatoes, ensuring even coverage.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole.

Baking the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese topping.
2. Bake covered for 45 minutes in the preheated oven.
3. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden and bubbly.
4. If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to achieve a more golden, crispy top.
5. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

This versatile casserole can be customized in numerous ways to suit your preferences or make use of ingredients you have on hand:

Make It Spicy

Add diced jalapeños or a can of diced green chiles to the beef mixture. Increase the cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce or add a dash of hot sauce for additional heat.

Vegetable Additions

Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, corn, peas, or carrots to add color, texture, and nutritional value. Add them to the beef mixture during the last few minutes of cooking.

Cheese Variations

Experiment with different cheese combinations such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a smoky gouda for unique flavor profiles. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds a nice finish.

Meat Alternatives

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

Tex-Mex Version

Season the beef with taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs, add black beans and corn, and top with Mexican cheese blend for a Southwestern twist.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This casserole is excellent for making ahead and enjoying as leftovers:

Refrigerator Storage

Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering with plastic wrap or transferring portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer Instructions

This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. You can freeze it either before or after baking:

• Before Baking: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label with the date and baking instructions.
• After Baking: Cool completely, then portion or freeze whole. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Guidelines

• From Refrigerated: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For the whole casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes.
• From Frozen (Unbaked): Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake according to the original instructions, adding 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.
• From Frozen (Baked): Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when possible, or bake covered at 350°F for about 1 hour, then uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal with these complementary side dishes and serving ideas:

• A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich casserole.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts add nutritional balance.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any extra cheese sauce.
• Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream, fresh chives, or chopped parsley for a finishing touch.

Nutritional Information

While this hearty casserole is definitely a comfort food indulgence, here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings per casserole):

• Calories: Approximately 450-500 per serving
• Protein: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Fat: 25-30g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sodium: 800-900mg (varies based on added salt)

Cook’s Tips and Tricks

Ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time with these helpful tips:

• Potato Thickness: Try to slice the potatoes to a uniform thickness to ensure they cook evenly. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this task.
• Testing for Doneness: Insert a knife or fork into the center of the casserole to check if the potatoes are tender before removing from the oven.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving neater.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Cheese Selection: For the best melting properties, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Since turkey is leaner, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when cooking it to prevent dryness.

What type of potatoes work best for this casserole?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape while becoming tender when baked. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option for a buttery flavor and creamy texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the refrigerator.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, the top is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly. If you notice the top browning too quickly before the potatoes are done, cover loosely with foil.

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Cool completely, then portion into airtight containers or wrap tightly. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese soup?

If you don’t have cheddar cheese soup, you can make a simple cheese sauce with 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 1½ cups milk, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Melt the butter, whisk in flour to make a roux, gradually add milk while whisking, and finally stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole represents comfort food at its finest – simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this recipe delivers reliable results with minimal effort. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and rich cheese sauce creates a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman