Name: Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (¼-inch thick); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup beef broth; ¼ cup milk (optional); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes is the kind of hearty, family-friendly dish that steals the show at any dinner table. Imagine tender slices of potato, layers of richly seasoned beef, and plenty of gooey, golden cheese all baked together into warm, cozy perfection. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but hits all the nostalgic notes of a home-cooked classic. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a comforting meal, this casserole brings everyone back for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how simple yet essential each ingredient is in building the irresistible flavor of this casserole. Every component brings something special—whether it’s richness, texture, or color—to make the final dish truly unforgettable.

Ground beef: The savory backbone of the casserole, giving it hearty depth and satisfying protein.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced for the best texture; they absorb flavors and layer into tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and gives a slight richness as the base for your beef mixture.
Onion: Adds sweetness and complexity, blending perfectly with the beef as it cooks.
Garlic: Packs a punch of aromatic flavor that makes every bite pop.
Beef broth: Keeps everything moist, deepens flavors, and brings all the layers together.
Milk (optional): Softens the potatoes and adds a gentle creaminess—totally optional but highly recommended.
Italian seasoning: A herby blend that brightens and balances the rich flavors throughout the casserole.
Paprika: Brings a hint of warmth and color, elevating the dish’s appearance as well as its flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to make every ingredient shine—don’t skip!
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into dreamy, gooey layers for that unbeatable cheesy pull.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a final salty, nutty crust that bakes up golden and irresistible.
Fresh parsley: Offers a burst of color and a hint of freshness for the finishing touch.

How to Make

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. This step ensures those beautiful potato slices won’t stick, and you’ll get those perfect golden edges once it’s baked.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re soft and just starting to turn golden. Next, toss in the ground beef, along with the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brown everything together, breaking up the meat so it cooks evenly and absorbs all that aromatic flavor.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Beef

Grab your thinly sliced potatoes and arrange half of them across the base of your prepared dish, slightly overlapping. Spread half the cooked beef mixture on top, then sprinkle on half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat to make a second full layer of potatoes, beef, and cheese—this double layering means every bite is packed with goodness.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Bake Covered

Pour the beef broth (and milk, if using) evenly over the layers. This will help soften the potatoes and create a deliciously creamy, cohesive casserole. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes—this is when the potatoes get tender and all the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 5: Top and Finish Baking

Remove the foil, sprinkle that generous handful of Parmesan cheese across the top, and return the casserole to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and beautifully golden. Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes before dishing up—this makes serving so much easier and keeps the layers intact.

How to Serve

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic choice; its vibrant green color makes each serving look as inviting as it tastes. A sprinkle of extra cheddar right before serving can also add a little wow factor, especially if you love things extra cheesy!

Side Dishes

Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes goes beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans, or even a light soup to start. A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by serving individual squares on colorful plates with a drizzle of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa. For a family style meal, let everyone dig straight into the casserole dish at the table and pass around extra toppings like green onions, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for personal flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just let it cool slightly before transferring and you’ll have a stress-free meal waiting for you later in the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream! Either freeze individual portions for quick lunches or wrap the entire casserole tightly if you want to serve it later. Simply let it cool completely, cover with both plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftovers in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a couple of minutes. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up to preserve the texture of the potatoes.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative works great here. Just keep an eye on seasoning, as leaner meats may need a dash more spice or broth.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer makes the job easy and ensures the potatoes cook evenly and become perfectly tender in the Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes.

Is it possible to add vegetables?

Yes, feel free to layer in thin slices of zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach between the potatoes and beef for extra nutrition and color.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar is classic for Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes, but Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a little mozzarella can all add a nice twist. A mix can make it extra gooey and delicious!

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit out for about 20 minutes at room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

Few things beat the comforting simplicity of a homemade Casserole with Ground Beef & Potatoes. I hope this recipe brings big smiles (and full bellies) to your table. Grab your favorite baking dish and give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new weeknight favorite!