Name: Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490431H13M20S
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4–5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar/chicken); 1 cup milk or cream; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1 tsp paprika; Butter or oil for greasing the baking dish; Optional: sliced green onions or chopped parsley for garnish, red pepper flakes for heat

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Cheesy ground beef and potato casserole is hearty, comforting, and full of rich, savory flavor. With layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want something cozy and filling. It’s a true family favorite that always gets polished off quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s simple, budget-friendly, and so satisfying. It uses basic ingredients I usually already have on hand, and it’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. The beef adds richness, the potatoes are soft and comforting, and the cheese ties everything together. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as good. Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
Shredded cheddar cheese
Milk or cream
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar or cream of chicken)
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Butter or oil (for greasing the baking dish)

Optional: green onions, parsley for garnish, or red pepper flakes for heat

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, I cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. I add garlic and cook for another minute. Then I drain any excess grease.
I stir in the salt, pepper, and paprika, and set the beef mixture aside.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the cream soup and milk or cream until smooth.
I layer half the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish, then spread half the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. I pour half the soup mixture on top and sprinkle a layer of cheese.
I repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
I cover the dish with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
I let it rest for 10 minutes before serving and garnish with green onions or parsley if I have them on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6–8 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 75–80 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor. I’ve added vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers into the beef mixture for extra color and texture. When I want a bit more spice, I mix in jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. And for a cheesier version, I stir some shredded cheese into the beef mixture before layering.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. I’ve also frozen this casserole after baking—just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

FAQs

Can I slice the potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, but I soak them in cold water to prevent browning, then pat them dry before layering.

Can I use raw beef instead of browning it first?

I recommend cooking the beef before baking to make sure it’s fully cooked and well seasoned.

What type of potatoes work best?

I prefer russet or Yukon Gold potatoes—they hold their shape and soften nicely in the oven.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until I’m ready to bake. I add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.

Can I make it without canned soup?

Yes, I’ve made a quick homemade version by whisking together butter, flour, broth, milk, and cheese until thick and creamy.

Conclusion

Cheesy ground beef and potato casserole is the kind of meal I keep in my back pocket for when I want something easy, comforting, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether I serve it for dinner, make it ahead, or warm up leftovers the next day, it’s always a hit in my kitchen.