Indulge in This Irresistible Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Oh my gosh, you have to try this cheesy ground beef and potato casserole – it’s the ultimate comfort food that never lets me down! I swear, every time I make this hearty dish, my family comes running when they smell those layers of beef, potatoes, and melting cheese baking in the oven. What I love most (besides how ridiculously easy it is!) is how it somehow manages to feel fancy while being one of the simplest dinners in my rotation.

It all started when my neighbor brought this casserole over after I had my second baby, and let me tell you – I think I asked for the recipe before I’d even finished my first bite! Now it’s my go-to for busy weeknights when we need something satisfying, potluck dinners when I want to impress without stress, and those “I just can’t even” days when cooking feels impossible. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Trust me, this casserole is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Here’s why:

• Easy to make: Just layer, bake, and enjoy – it’s that simple!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the cheesy, beefy goodness.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap in different cheeses for a personal touch.
• Budget-friendly: Made with everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day – if there’s any left!

Seriously, what’s not to love?

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need for this simple yet satisfying dish:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 blend recommended – just enough fat for flavor without being greasy)
• 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds total), thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick works best – use a mandoline if you have one!)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (packed – don’t skimp here!)
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (2% works too, but whole gives the creamiest results)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the beef)
• 1 teaspoon salt (I use kosher salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if possible)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt – we’ve got salt already)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

This casserole is super adaptable! Swap ground turkey for beef, or try sweet potatoes instead of russets. Need dairy-free? Use almond milk and vegan cheese. Want extra veggies? Toss in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms when browning the beef. For spice lovers, a pinch of red pepper flakes does wonders!

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How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this is so easy you’ll have it memorized after one try. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have bubbly, cheesy perfection in no time.

Step 1: Browning the Ground Beef

First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab your favorite skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in those diced onions and let them sizzle for about 2 minutes until they start getting soft. Now add your ground beef – I like to break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring until there’s absolutely no pink left (about 5-7 minutes). That’s when you’ll want to drain off any excess fat – tilt the pan carefully and spoon it out. Then sprinkle in your salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Give it one last stir and take a whiff – smells amazing already, right?

Step 2: Layering the Casserole

Time to assemble! Grab your 9×13 baking dish and lightly grease it – I just run a bit of butter around the bottom and sides. Now here’s the fun part: slice those potatoes about 1/8-inch thick (no need to peel them if you don’t want to – I love the extra texture). Layer half of your potato slices in the bottom of the dish, overlapping them slightly like little edible roof tiles.

Next, spread all that delicious seasoned beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Top it off with the remaining potato slices – same overlapping pattern. Slowly pour the milk over everything – it’ll seep down between the layers and keep everything nice and moist while baking. Almost there! Finally, shower that beautiful top with all your shredded cheddar (go ahead, be generous – I won’t tell).

Step 3: Baking to Perfection

Alright, cover your masterpiece with aluminum foil (shiny side down!) and pop it in your preheated oven. Set your timer for 45 minutes – this covered baking time lets everything get tender and lets the flavors really mingle. After that first bake, carefully remove the foil (hot steam alert!) and let it go for another 15 minutes uncovered.

That’s when the magic happens – the cheese gets all golden and bubbly, and the edges start getting crispy. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is beautifully browned. Here’s my secret: let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving – it helps everything set up nicely so you get perfect slices instead of a cheesy landslide on your plate!

For another cozy dinner idea, try this hearty Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe—a family favorite layered with rich flavors and cheesy goodness.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Want to take your casserole from good to “can I get this recipe?” amazing? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:

• Slice smart: Use a mandoline for paper-thin, even potato slices that cook perfectly. No mandoline? Just take your time with a sharp knife.
• Season as you go: I always sprinkle a tiny bit of salt between potato layers – makes every bite flavorful.
• Rest is best: Let it sit 5-10 minutes after baking – I know it’s hard to wait, but this prevents a cheesy mess when serving.
• Cheese upgrade: Mix cheddar with a handful of parmesan for extra depth of flavor (my sneaky trick!).
• Crispy top lover? Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crunch (watch it like a hawk!).

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

This casserole is a meal all on its own, but let’s be honest – everything’s better with a little something on the side! Here are my go-to pairings that make this dish shine even brighter:

• Fresh green salad: A simple mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. I love adding cucumber and cherry tomatoes for extra crunch.
• Garlic bread: Because who can resist warm, buttery bread? It’s perfect for soaking up any cheesy goodness left on your plate. Check out this rustic garlic rosemary skillet bread.
• Steamed veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or a mix of both add a healthy pop of color to your plate. A sprinkle of lemon zest takes them to the next level.
• Coleslaw: My mom always serves this alongside – the creamy, tangy crunch is the perfect contrast to the hearty casserole.

When I’m serving this at a gathering, I aim for about 1 1/2 cups per person if it’s the main dish. For potlucks or larger groups, I’ll often double the recipe and bake it in a bigger dish – trust me, it disappears fast! And don’t forget to let everyone know it’s even better the next day – if there’s any left, that is.

Storing and Reheating Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

One of my favorite things about this casserole (besides how delicious it is fresh from the oven) is how well it keeps! Here’s how I handle leftovers – because let’s be real, you might actually have some (unlike my family, who usually devours the whole pan).

For refrigeration, just let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll stay perfect in the fridge for 3-4 days – though in my house, it never lasts that long! When you’re ready for round two, I strongly recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This brings back that wonderful crispy top that makes this dish so special. In a pinch, the microwave works too (about 2 minutes per serving), but the texture won’t be quite as magical.

Want to freeze some for later? You absolutely can! I like to portion it into meal-sized containers before freezing – that way, I can just grab exactly what I need. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge first, then reheat as usual. Pro tip: Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating to recreate that freshly-baked look and taste!

Here’s my confession: Sometimes I make a double batch just to have one in the freezer for those crazy busy nights. Nothing beats pulling out a homemade meal that just needs reheating – it feels like past-me did future-me the biggest favor!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I know some folks like to keep track of what they’re eating – so here’s the scoop on this cheesy goodness! Remember: These values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use (like how much cheese you sneak in – no judgment here!).

For one serving (about 1 1/2 cups of this heavenly casserole), you’re looking at:

• Calories: Around 350 – perfect for a satisfying meal
• Protein: 22g (thanks to all that beef and cheese!)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (mostly from those delicious potatoes)
• Fiber: 3g – not bad for comfort food!
• Fat: 18g (because let’s be real, that’s where the flavor lives)

I always say – everything in moderation, right? This casserole packs enough protein and veggies (hello, potatoes and onions!) to make it a balanced meal. And if you’re watching certain nutrients, you can always tweak the ingredients – like using leaner beef or low-fat cheese. But personally? I’m team “full-flavor” all the way when it comes to comfort food like this!

Love comforting casseroles and weeknight classics? Explore more crowd-pleasing recipes on our Pinterest boards and save your next go-to dinner inspiration.

Common Questions About Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Over the years, I’ve gotten all sorts of questions about this casserole. Here are the ones I hear most often – with my honest, tried-and-true answers:

Final Thoughts

There you have it, friends – my absolute favorite way to make cheesy ground beef and potato casserole! This recipe has gotten me through busy weeknights, potluck panics, and those “what the heck’s for dinner” moments more times than I can count. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug – comforting, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this for my book club – you should’ve seen how fast that casserole dish emptied! Now it’s the most requested recipe in my rotation. The best part? It’s so forgiving. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or throw in your own twists (I see you, spice lovers!), it pretty much always turns out delicious. If you’re looking for other dinner ideas, this one is a winner!

So what are you waiting for? Grab those potatoes and get baking! And when you do, I’d love to hear all about it. Did you add any fun mix-ins? Did your family go crazy for it like mine does? Leave a comment or tag me in your photos – nothing makes me happier than seeing my recipes become part of your family’s story too!