Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is the kind of comforting, family-friendly dinner that never goes out of style. With layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese, this dish is hearty, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy.
Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday suppers, this casserole delivers the classic flavors of meat and potatoes with a cheesy twist. It’s easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and customizable with different vegetables or seasonings. One bite and you’ll see why this timeless dish has stayed a favorite for generations.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook ground beef with onion until browned.
- Drain excess fat, stir in garlic, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 more minute.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom.
- Spread half the beef mixture on top.
- Pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef and potatoes.
- Repeat layers, finishing with sauce.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top, and bake another 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Let casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley.
Variations
- Loaded Style: Add crumbled bacon and green onions on top.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in peas, green beans, or bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamier Version: Swap sour cream for cream cheese.
Cooking Notes
- Slice potatoes thinly and evenly so they cook through.
- Yukon gold potatoes add creaminess, while russets give structure.
- For extra crisp top, broil casserole for 2–3 minutes after baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh side salad for balance.
- Serve with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
- Add warm dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer for even potato slices.
- Let casserole rest before serving for neat slices.
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days or freeze portions for 2 months.
- Reheat covered in oven for best results.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 720mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make cheesy ground beef & potato casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, bake first, cool completely, then freeze. Reheat covered in oven.
Q3: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
- Absolutely, it makes a lighter but still flavorful casserole.
Q4: Do I have to cook the potatoes first?
- No, thin slices will cook through while baking.
Q5: What cheese works best?
- Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack are also delicious.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dinner that’s as filling as it is flavorful. With tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and creamy layers of cheese, it’s the perfect dish for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you crave a hearty meal. Customizable, freezer-friendly, and family-approved, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.