Hey y’all! If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd, look no further than this ground beef potato casserole. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, this satisfying bake is a delicious choice for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Ready to indulge in flavor-packed, cheesy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Potato Casserole
- Easy, one-pan meal saves you both cooking and cleanup time.
- Packed with classic, hearty flavors the whole family will crave.
- Flexible ingredients let you customize to your taste or fridge contents.
- Perfect make-ahead option for meal prep or freezing.
- Feeds a crowd—great for potlucks, parties, or simple Sunday supper!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Potato Casserole
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions: How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink—about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Season with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spoon half the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half the creamy soup mixture on top, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers: remaining potatoes, beef mixture, soup mixture, and top with the rest of the cheese.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 25–30 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a little Worcestershire sauce to the beef while browning. See how to use Worcestershire sauce.
- Slice potatoes very thinly and uniformly for even cooking—use a mandoline for best results!
- If you prefer a lighter casserole, substitute low-sodium soup and reduced-fat cheese. Learn more about reduce sodium in your diet.
Ground Beef Potato Casserole Variations
- Mexican: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and top with pepper jack cheese.
- Bacon & Ranch: Mix in crisp bacon pieces and ranch seasoning for a flavor twist.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Layer in spinach, mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
Required Equipment for Ground Beef Potato Casserole
- Large oven-safe, 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Mandoline slicer (for potatoes, optional but recommended)
- Aluminum foil
Storage & Shelf Life
- Cool leftovers to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For more tips, check this casserole storage guide.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette.
- Pair with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread for a filling meal.
- Finish with a simple apple crisp or fruit salad for dessert!
Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Potato Casserole
- Always grease your baking dish well to avoid sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Let the casserole sit after baking for easier slicing and firm layers.
- For extra melty cheese on top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—just watch closely. See more broiling casserole tips.
FAQ – All About Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work great; just make sure to season well for best flavor.
What type of potato is best for this casserole?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold up well during baking, but Yukon golds are a tasty, creamy option too.
How do I tell if my casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
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3Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine.
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4Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese.
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5In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole.
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6Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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