Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients like tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and melted cheese in a cozy baked meal. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with a warm, inviting aroma and feels like a big, tasty hug on a plate.
I love making this casserole because it’s easy to throw together on busy nights, yet it feels like something special when it comes out of the oven bubbling and golden. One tip I always follow is seasoning the beef well and layering the potatoes so every bite has a nice balance of meat and potatoes. It makes the whole casserole taste just right every time.
My favorite way to serve this casserole is with a simple green salad on the side or some steamed veggies for a fresh contrast. It’s also great as leftovers, so I often make a big pan to have plenty for the next day. Whenever I serve this to family or friends, it always gets compliments, and I end up feeling proud that such a simple dish can be so good.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for good flavor and fat balance. If you prefer leaner, 90/10 works fine but might be drier. You could try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are great here. They hold shape but soften nicely when baked. Thin slices help cook evenly. Sweet potatoes offer a twist if you want a sweeter flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and adds sharpness. Feel free to mix with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. For dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese alternative.
Beef Broth & Sour Cream: Broth adds moisture and flavor; use low sodium if you want to control salt. Sour cream makes it creamy but can be skipped if you want a lighter dish or replaced with Greek yogurt.
How Do I Get Tender Potatoes That Cook Evenly in the Casserole?
Potatoes can be tricky because they need to soften fully without drying out the casserole.
- Slice potatoes thinly and evenly, about 1/8-inch thick.
- Spread a layer of potatoes first, then add beef mix, then potatoes again to ensure even cooking.
- Cover tightly with foil while baking to trap steam and cook potatoes through.
- Remove the foil near the end to brown the cheese and potatoes on top.
- If you want to speed up cooking, parboil sliced potatoes for 5 minutes before assembling.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – perfect size to layer the potatoes and beef evenly.
- Large skillet – for browning ground beef and sautéing onions without crowding.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice potatoes thinly and evenly for even cooking.
- Cutting board – sturdy surface for chopping veggies and slicing potatoes safely.
- Aluminum foil – covers the casserole to trap steam and cook potatoes through.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – great for breaking up ground beef as it cooks.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra veggies and flavor.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular for a subtle smoky taste that pairs well with beef.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella with the cheddar cheese for a creamier and milder cheese layer.
Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream (optional, for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the casserole dish
Time Needed
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 55-60 minutes to bake, including the time covered and uncovered with cheese. Allow 5 minutes to rest before serving. So, set aside roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to keep everything from sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook it while breaking it apart until fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat. Next, mix in diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth, bring it to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes so it thickens slightly. Remove from heat, stir in sour cream if using, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes, spreading it out evenly. Then, layer the remaining sliced potatoes over the beef to close off the layers.
4. Bake Covered
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and help the potatoes cook through. Bake for about 40 minutes.
5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender, and the cheese is melted and golden.
6. Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps set everything so it’s easier to serve. Sprinkle additional chopped parsley over the top for a fresh touch, then enjoy the hearty, cheesy casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Casserole?
Yes, you can, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. Thaw frozen ground beef in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting, then drain any liquid to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just keep it covered tightly and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. For best texture, cover loosely while reheating to keep moisture in.
Can I Substitute Potatoes with Sweet Potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes work well in this casserole and add a slightly sweet flavor. Slice them just like the regular potatoes and follow the same baking instructions, though they might cook a bit faster, so check tenderness early.
