Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole – Simple & Satisfying Recipe

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is your cozy, weeknight dinner hero—hearty, flavorful, and the ultimate comfort in one dish. Picture this: tender chunks of potato, perfectly seasoned ground beef, creamy layers of sour cream, and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked into a golden, bubbling casserole. Sound good? Thought so.

Whether you’ve got picky eaters, a tight schedule, or just zero patience for fussy meals, this ground beef and potatoes casserole fits the bill. With a prep time that won’t eat your evening and ingredients you probably already have on hand, it’s no wonder casseroles like this one have earned their spot in the busy home cook’s hall of fame. Oh, and did I mention it’s naturally gluten-free? One less thing to worry about when cooking for the crew. So, if your dinner routine’s been feeling a little “meh” lately, this cheesy, savory dish might be just the reset button you need. Let’s get to it.

Table of Contents

What is Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole?

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is the kind of classic American dish you grew up seeing on grandma’s table—simple, satisfying, and made to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. At its core, it’s a one-dish meal that layers seasoned ground beef with diced russet potatoes, aromatics like onion and garlic, and creamy additions like sour cream and cheddar cheese. Then it’s baked until everything melds into a warm, cheesy, potato-packed masterpiece.

The texture is part creamy, part crispy, and totally irresistible. What makes it stand out from other casseroles is its unpretentious nature—it’s not trying to be fancy; it’s just downright delicious. Think of it like a hug in food form. And unlike some other “dump and bake” dishes that can get mushy, this one keeps its structure, thanks to the diced potatoes. You can even throw in a few optional add-ins like bell peppers or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you’re feeling wild. But honestly, it’s fabulous as is.

Reasons to Try Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

There are about a dozen reasons this casserole should be in your dinner rotation, but let’s start with the top three. First off—convenience. This dish is as low-fuss as it gets. No fancy kitchen gadgets, no complicated prep, and you can make it all ahead and bake it off when you’re ready. Secondly—crowd-pleasing flavor. Between the beefy goodness, the creamy sour cream, and the golden melted cheese on top, it’s a meal that even picky eaters won’t complain about.

And third—budget-friendly. Ground beef and potatoes are two of the most economical ingredients out there. You don’t need pricey cuts of meat or specialty items from a gourmet market. Plus, the leftovers reheat like a dream, making it a meal that keeps on giving. Oh, and if you’re looking for something with similar easy vibes but a different flavor profile, check out this Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet for another one-dish wonder.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Main Components

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy & Cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup sour cream

Liquids & Oils

• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Optional Add-ins: chopped bell pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or chopped parsley for garnish.

Instructions to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole (Step by Step)

This is where the magic of the ground beef and potatoes casserole happens, so let’s break it down—step by delicious step.

Preheat the Oven

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven is key to getting that bubbly, cheesy top we’re all here for.

Prep the Veggies

Peel and dice your russet potatoes into small cubes. You want them small enough to cook evenly but big enough to hold their shape. Chop the onion and mince those garlic cloves. Tip: You can do this the night before and stash everything in the fridge if you’re short on time during the week.

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant—not browned. This step adds a flavor base that builds throughout the casserole.

Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef straight into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Sprinkle in your salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Once the beef is no longer pink and nicely browned, you’re ready to move on.

Simmer with Broth

Pour the beef broth into the skillet and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes. This not only boosts the flavor but keeps the casserole from drying out during baking.

Combine with Potatoes

In a large mixing bowl, add your diced potatoes and the beef mixture. Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. You want everything well-coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Layer in Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. It might not look like much now, but just wait.

Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This gives the potatoes time to get tender without drying out the meat or burning the cheese.

Bake Uncovered

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and golden cheese on top. This step takes it from “pretty good” to “oh wow.”

Let It Rest

This part’s important! Let your ground beef and potatoes casserole rest for 10 minutes before digging in. It firms up a bit and lets the flavors settle. Worth the wait, promise.

For other comforting, potato-loaded meals, check out Sheet Pan Lemon Balsamic Chicken and Potatoes.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

This casserole is practically a full meal on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy—or have a few hungry teens to feed—you can definitely round it out. A fresh, crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish nicely. Or whip up some green beans or steamed broccoli for a veggie moment that doesn’t require much effort. Garlic bread? Never a bad idea. If you’re in the mood for a hearty dessert to follow, something like Strawberry Tiramisu or Magic Lemon Cobbler makes a fun, unexpected pairing.

Key Tips for Making Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

1. Dice potatoes evenly. Uneven chunks cook at different rates and no one wants half-mushy, half-crunchy potatoes in their casserole.
2. Don’t skip the rest time. It’s tempting to dig in immediately, but letting it sit allows everything to firm up and makes slicing way easier.
3. Use lean ground beef. Less grease means you don’t end up with an oily casserole. If using higher-fat beef, be sure to drain the excess after browning.
4. Make it ahead. Assemble everything up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when ready.
5. Spice it up. If your crew likes a little kick, throw in some cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

This casserole is the gift that keeps on giving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or zap it in the microwave in 30-second bursts. If you’re reheating a big portion, add a splash of broth or water before covering to keep it moist. Want to freeze it? Assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Perfect for meal prep or unexpected dinner guests (looking at you, in-laws).

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well as a lighter option, though you may want to boost the seasoning a bit since turkey is milder in flavor.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Nope! If you’re short on time or prefer a little rustic texture, leave the skins on. Just give them a good scrub first.

What if I don’t have sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It offers a similar tang and creaminess.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free cheese and swap the sour cream for a plant-based alternative. Just make sure it’s one that melts well.

Can I add veggies?
Go for it. Diced bell peppers, peas, or even spinach can be stirred into the beef mix. Just avoid watery veggies like zucchini unless pre-cooked.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about a ground beef and potatoes casserole that feels like home. It’s the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with the smell of comfort, satisfies even the hungriest of households, and makes you feel like a dinner superhero (even if you’re wearing slippers). Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, prepping ahead for a busy week, or just need something dependable and delicious, this casserole delivers every single time. And hey, once you master this one, you’ll want to try others in the same comfort-food universe, like Queso Chicken Enchiladas or Firecracker Meatballs. So go ahead, print this one, bookmark it, or text it to your future self. You’ll be glad you did.

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