Some dinners just feel like home, and this cheesy ground beef and potato casserole is exactly that. Layers of tender potatoes, savory seasoned beef, and gooey melted cheese come together in the most comforting way. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out, perfect after a long day or when you’re feeding a hungry crowd.
What I love most is how simple it is. With just a few basic ingredients and one baking dish, you’ve got a hearty, satisfying meal that even picky eaters devour. It’s cozy, filling, and always a hit at our table.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor – Just a few staple ingredients transform into something magical.
- Family-Pleaser – Even picky eaters can’t resist the cheesy, beefy layers.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable pantry basics like potatoes and ground beef.
- Feeds a Crowd – Perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or busy weeknights.
If you’re hunting for ground beef recipes for dinner that don’t require fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen, this is a total win. Plus, if you liked the creamy vibe of my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll love this cheesy bake just as much.
Ingredients for Beef and Potato Casserole Goodness
Every ingredient here is Pinterest-perfect: colorful, cozy, and full of flavor. Freshly sliced potatoes and browned beef are the heart of it, while melty cheese ties it all together.
- 1 lb ground beef – browned and drained, brings rich, savory depth
- 4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes – thinly sliced for tender layers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – fresh-shredded melts beautifully
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup – adds creamy texture and flavor
- 1/2 cup whole milk – loosens up the mixture just right
- 2 tbsp butter, melted – coats the potatoes for that golden edge
- Salt & pepper, to taste – essential for balancing flavors
- Optional: parsley for garnish, garlic powder for a flavor kick
Want to level up the flavor? Add in some diced onions or a pinch of paprika before baking, or sneak in a few green peas like I do when I need extra veggies in the mix. You could even pair it with something like Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage recipe for a full comfort spread.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
This is one of those fast dinner recipes where the oven does most of the work for you. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, and toss them with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt. Layer them evenly across the bottom and sides of your dish.
- Bake the potatoes uncovered for 20–25 minutes until they’re just fork-tender. Meanwhile, brown your ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain any grease.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
- Spread the beef mixture over the pre-baked potato layer. Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Top with the remaining cheese, then bake for an extra 5–7 minutes, just until bubbly and golden.
It’s best served hot and fresh, when the cheese is at its meltiest and the edges are deliciously crisp. Want a similar cozy classic with a twist? Try my Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps for a fast and flavorful contrast.
Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Dinner Night
This casserole shines as a standalone meal, but it’s also a fantastic base for building a hearty table. Here’s what I serve alongside:
- Simple green salad – crisp romaine with ranch or vinaigrette cuts through the richness
- Buttered peas or green beans – classic veggie sides the kids will eat
- Biscuits or garlic bread – because let’s be honest, you’ll want to soak up every drop
Serve it family-style right out of the dish, or plate it up with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives for a Pinterest-ready finish. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone back to the table, even teenagers who usually eat on the run.
Variations and Customization Ideas for Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
There are so many easy ways to make this casserole your own, just tweak it based on what your family loves or what’s already in the fridge. Here are my favorite ways to switch it up:
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef.
- Add veggies: Toss in frozen peas, corn, or green beans for extra color and nutrition.
- Go spicy: Mix in chopped green chiles, red pepper flakes, or pepper jack cheese.
- Make it creamier: Stir in sour cream or a little cream cheese into the beef mixture.
- Low-carb version: Replace the potatoes with thin-sliced zucchini or cauliflower slices.
This is one of those forgiving recipes where a few changes won’t mess it up, in fact, it just gets better the more you play with it.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? This casserole keeps beautifully and reheats like a dream.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
- Freezing: Bake first, then cool completely. Wrap well and freeze up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 60–75 minutes, covered with foil.
Tip: Add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to keep it extra creamy.
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
To make sure every layer is flavorful and cooked just right, here are a few tricks I always follow:
- Slice potatoes thin: Aim for about 1/8 inch thick so they cook evenly and soften nicely.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts smoother and gives you that beautiful cheesy top.
- Season as you go: Don’t forget to salt the potatoes before baking and taste the beef mixture before layering.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking so it sets up and cuts cleanly.
A little patience and prep go a long way when it comes to comfort food like this.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple casseroles can go sideways if you hit a few snags. Here are the most common issues to steer clear of:
- Skipping the pre-bake on potatoes: They’ll stay too firm and throw off the texture.
- Using watery cheese sauce: Make sure your soup and milk mixture is thick enough to coat the beef.
- Overbaking after cheese is added: This can make the cheese oily, just bake until it’s melted.
- Not draining beef: Greasy meat can lead to a soggy bottom layer.
Avoid these, and you’re on your way to a bubbling, golden-brown success.
Cozy, Cheesy, and Always a Hit
This cheesy ground beef and potato casserole is everything a weeknight dinner should be: warm, filling, and easy to make without much fuss. Whether it’s for a cozy evening at home or something hearty to bring to a potluck, this dish checks every box.
I hope this becomes one of those recipes you come back to again and again, just like we do.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner idea, creamy, comforting, and packed with beef and potato layers that everyone loves. With only a few simple ingredients like ground beef, cheddar, potatoes, and mushroom soup, this easy beef casserole recipe comes together quickly and feeds the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Slice potatoes thinly and toss with melted butter and salt.
- Layer potatoes in baking dish and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain and mix with soup, milk, and half the cheese.
- Spread beef mixture over potatoes and bake for 15 minutes.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake 5–7 minutes until bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 435kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 720mg30%
- Potassium 940mg27%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 23g46%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use a mandoline for even potato slices.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- For extra creaminess, add 1/4 cup sour cream to the beef mixture.
- Add chopped onions or frozen vegetables to bulk it up.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months (bake first before freezing).
