Introduction
There’s something timeless and comforting about a classic casserole dish — layers of tender potatoes, juicy ground beef, and creamy, cheesy goodness coming together in one warm, hearty bake. The Ground Beef Potato Casserole is one of those family-favorite recipes that never fail to please everyone at the table. Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners, it combines everyday ingredients into a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like home with every bite.
This casserole has it all — simplicity, rich flavor, and an easy preparation method. Using layers of sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s the kind of recipe that’s equally satisfying for kids and adults alike. It’s filling, affordable, and easily customizable with your favorite seasonings or extra veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Beef Potato Casserole checks all the boxes for a comforting, homemade dish. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Easy to make: Requires simple steps and pantry staples you likely already have.
- Comforting flavor: Layers of beef, potatoes, and creamy sauce give that rich, old-fashioned taste.
- Perfect for meal prep: Can be made ahead of time and reheated beautifully.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients without compromising on taste.
- Family-approved: A guaranteed hit for all ages — even the picky eaters.
Whether you’re feeding a big family or want leftovers for lunch the next day, this casserole is your best bet for a filling, balanced meal.
Ingredients with Quantities
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 medium potatoes)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for color and mild spice)
- ½ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or green beans (for added texture and nutrition)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving easier later on.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is browned and the onion becomes translucent. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Tip: Browning the meat thoroughly gives a deeper flavor to the casserole. You can even add a bit of Worcestershire sauce for an extra savory note.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
This creamy sauce binds all the layers together and keeps the casserole moist and flavorful as it bakes. If you’d like it even richer, stir in a couple of tablespoons of sour cream.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Start layering in the baking dish as follows:
- Bottom layer: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom.
- Middle layer: Spoon half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Sauce layer: Pour half of the soup mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes.
- Cheese layer: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Repeat all layers with the remaining ingredients: potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese.
This layering ensures that each bite contains a perfect mix of creamy sauce, savory beef, and tender potatoes.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. The foil traps moisture and steam, helping the potatoes cook evenly and soften perfectly.
Step 6: Add Final Cheese Layer and Bake Uncovered
After 60 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice clean portions.
Serve hot with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
Cooking Time Summary
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kcal: ~480 per serving
Servings: 6
Tips for the Perfect Ground Beef Potato Casserole
- Use starchy potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they become tender and absorb flavor beautifully.
- Slice evenly: Thin, uniform slices ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
- Avoid sogginess: Drain the cooked beef well to prevent excess grease from seeping into the potatoes.
- Cheese matters: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast. You can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Reheating tip: Cover leftovers with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a full meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Warm garlic bread or dinner rolls
For a comforting dinner table, serve this dish with a side of homemade coleslaw or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, covered with foil.
The casserole maintains its flavor and texture well after freezing — ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Variations to Try
You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences:
- Add vegetables: Layer in frozen mixed veggies, peas, or sliced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Spicy twist: Add ½ teaspoon of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- Creamier version: Mix in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture.
- Different meats: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a lighter or bolder flavor.
- Cheesy upgrade: Add Parmesan cheese or use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra meltiness.
These small changes let you reinvent the dish while keeping its comfort-food charm intact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use raw ground beef directly in the casserole without pre-cooking it?
It’s best to pre-cook the ground beef before layering. Cooking it first removes excess grease and ensures the meat is fully browned, enhancing the flavor and texture.
2. What kind of potatoes should I use?
Choose starchy or all-purpose potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Gold. They become soft and creamy during baking and absorb the sauce well.
3. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk for a similar creamy texture.
4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free cream soup and ensure that your seasonings and cheese are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
5. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, green beans, or bell peppers blend beautifully with the beef and potatoes. Add them between layers before baking.
6. How do I make it vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with meatless crumbles, lentils, or chopped mushrooms. Use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup for a delicious meat-free alternative.
7. How can I make it more flavorful?
Try adding Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, or shredded Parmesan for an extra punch. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also elevate the flavor.
8. What should I do if the potatoes are still firm after baking?
If your potatoes are not tender after the full baking time, cover the dish again with foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes. The thickness of the slices can affect cooking time.
9. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch dishes or one larger pan. The baking time may need an additional 10–15 minutes.
10. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Cover the casserole with foil and reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This method keeps the texture soft and the cheese melty.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands or added ingredients.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
If you like planning meals in advance, this casserole is a perfect make-ahead dish.
- To refrigerate before baking: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover with foil, and store in the fridge. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.
- To freeze before baking: Assemble, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking as directed.
This flexibility makes it ideal for busy families or when hosting guests — just pop it in the oven and enjoy a homemade meal without the last-minute rush.
Conclusion
The Ground Beef Potato Casserole is the definition of comfort food — hearty, creamy, and loaded with classic flavors that remind you of home. It’s a versatile dish that fits into any meal plan, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day. The tender layers of potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese combine to create a satisfying bake that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.
Whether it’s a chilly evening, a potluck dinner, or a lazy weekend at home, this casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in every serving. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular favorite on your family’s dinner table.