Ground Beef and Potato Casserole – Easy, Cheesy, Family Favorite

Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is one of those feel-good dinners that just hits the spot—especially after a long day when the last thing you want is a complicated recipe or a million dirty dishes. This hearty dish combines simple ingredients—seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese—into a warm, bubbly casserole that brings big comfort with minimal effort.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy weekend meal, this casserole makes the most of pantry staples. What makes this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole so lovable is that it’s not fussy. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t ask much of you, but still feels like a little victory when dinner hits the table. With everything baked into one dish, cleanup is easy—and that cheesy, golden top? Absolutely worth the wait.

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What is Ground Beef and Potato Casserole?

Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that feels like a big warm hug in food form. It’s an old-school dinner that’s stood the test of time—layers of thinly sliced potatoes and seasoned ground beef all tucked under a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. Think shepherd’s pie meets scalloped potatoes, only with fewer steps and more flavor.

The ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and herbs for a flavorful base, then smothered in a simple gravy that brings the whole dish together. It bakes up bubbly and golden, with the top crisping just enough while the inside stays creamy and savory. It’s a main dish that truly earns its “casserole classic” badge. And let’s be real—this is the kind of meal that has you going back for seconds (and sneaking cold bites from the fridge at midnight).

Reasons to Try Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

First, it’s ridiculously simple—no weird ingredients or fancy techniques, just honest-to-goodness comfort food. Second, it’s a one-pan wonder. Busy weeknights? Covered. Family dinner with picky eaters? Covered. Third, it’s freezer-friendly and makes great leftovers, which means you’re basically meal-prepping without even trying.

Also, this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is endlessly customizable. Want to sneak in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms? Do it. Prefer it a little spicier? Add jalapeños or hot paprika. You can make it yours without messing with the core recipe. And let’s not forget how filling it is—thanks to the meat and potatoes combo, this dish will keep everyone at the table happy and full. It’s nostalgic without being boring and satisfying without being over-the-top. Basically, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter or cooking oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon bouillon powder (or sub with extra salt)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Making a hearty Ground Beef and Potato Casserole doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this clear, step by step guide, and you’ll have a cozy, flavor-packed dinner on the table in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need leftovers for busy weeknights, this recipe is all about comfort and ease. Let’s walk through each part with care, so you know exactly what to do and when.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients and Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) — always a good move to get it heating while you prep. Next, peel your potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds. Aim for about 1/8-inch thick so they cook evenly and become melt-in-your-mouth tender. If slicing potatoes feels like a chore, a mandoline slicer can be a total game-changer (just watch those fingers!).

While you’re at it, dice up one onion and mince a couple cloves of garlic. Keep your herbs nearby — we’ll be adding fresh thyme for that cozy, earthy flavor. Don’t forget to grab your beef, butter, and seasonings from the fridge. Laying everything out now makes the step by step process smoother later.

Want to know which potatoes are best for baking? You might enjoy our Creamy Potato and Leek Soup article that dives into potato types.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Build the Flavor

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add two tablespoons of butter or your favorite cooking oil. Toss in the diced onion, garlic, and fresh thyme. Sauté until the onions are soft and the kitchen starts smelling amazing — about 4 to 5 minutes.

Next, crumble in the ground beef and cook until it’s browned all the way through. Break it up as it cooks so it’s nice and crumbly. Once browned, go ahead and drain off any extra fat — no one wants a greasy casserole.

Now here’s where the magic happens: season the beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and a bit of bouillon powder. Stir everything together and let those flavors meld. Then sprinkle in two tablespoons of flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly — this is what helps the sauce thicken beautifully.

Looking for a vegetarian version? Try our Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas for another comforting dinner idea.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Still at the stovetop, slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, followed by the milk. Keep stirring until the mixture turns into a rich, gravy-like sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens up just enough to coat a spoon.

This sauce is what binds everything together in the casserole — it’s creamy, beefy, and full of depth. Don’t rush this step; letting it simmer just right is key to that indulgent, homemade texture.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish — either with a bit of oil or non-stick spray — and start layering. Begin with a single layer of half your sliced potatoes. Try not to overlap too much; we want those layers to cook evenly. Next, spoon in half of the beef mixture and spread it out over the potatoes. Then repeat: potatoes, then beef.

The step by step layering ensures every bite gets a bit of beef, a bit of potato, and plenty of savory sauce. Cover tightly with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Want more hearty layered meals? You might also enjoy our cozy Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta.

Step 5: Bake and Finish with Cheese

Bake the covered casserole for 45 minutes. This gives the potatoes time to become fork-tender while the flavors deepen. After 45 minutes, remove the foil — careful, it’s steamy — and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.

Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges. If you like a little crisp on top, flip the broiler on for a minute or two, but keep a close eye on it!

Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let your casserole sit for 10–15 minutes before digging in. This short resting period helps the sauce settle and thickens everything up nicely. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy — or just serve it straight up and hot.

Need an easy side dish? Try it with Herbed Potato Rolls or a crisp salad for balance.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

This dish is pretty much a complete meal, but adding a fresh side takes it over the top. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed veggies—like green beans or broccoli—also pair beautifully. Feeling indulgent? A warm roll or slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy beef gravy. And if you’re hosting, you can keep it festive with a quick starter like these Fried Deviled Eggs or a veggie-forward appetizer like Crispy Feta and Hot Honey Phyllo Cups. Dessert-wise, keep it simple: a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit crisp rounds out this comforting dinner nicely.

Key Tips for Making Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Slicing potatoes thin and even is key to making sure they cook through. Don’t skip that resting time after baking—it gives the sauce time to thicken and everything to settle. Slightly undercooking the beef helps it stay juicy during baking. Be generous but balanced with seasoning; taste the meat before layering. Want extra texture? Broil for the last couple of minutes to get that golden-cheese crunch. And one more tip? This casserole makes excellent leftovers—so make a double batch if you’ve got a crowd or just love next-day lunch wins.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover a portion with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave it in 1-minute bursts (loosely covered). Add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to refresh the sauce. You can also freeze it—just bake it fully, let it cool, and wrap it tightly. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F, covered, for about 40–50 minutes. Let it rest after reheating for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well here if you’re cutting down on red meat. Just bump up the seasoning a bit to keep the flavor rich.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I add vegetables?
Totally! Mushrooms, spinach, peas, or even frozen mixed veggies work great. Just cook off any excess moisture before adding.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling gives a smoother texture, but if you’re in a rush or like a rustic look, leaving the skins on is perfectly fine.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is that no-fuss, deeply satisfying meal that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor—the kind of meal that says “home” with every bite. Plus, it’s flexible enough to match whatever you’ve got in the fridge or pantry. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole’s got your back. Want more cozy meals like this one? Try our Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup or Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup. You’ll thank yourself later.

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