If you are craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes nestled perfectly with savory ground beef and bubbling melted cheddar cheese, all baked into a dish that’s as hearty as it is satisfying. It is one of those dishes that magically brings families together around the dinner table, offering not just nourishing flavors but a sense of homemade love in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of white bowls on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. There is a bowl of raw ground meat, a bowl with shredded yellow cheese, and another with chopped white onions. Three whole potatoes are placed beside the bowls. One bowl contains sliced mushrooms, another has black pepper, and a smaller bowl holds salt. There is also a bowl with a mixture of brown sauce or gravy and a small bowl with white sour cream. Additionally, there is a small bowl of diced orange carrots and a clear glass cup with a light liquid, possibly oil or vinegar. All bowls are neatly arranged in a circular pattern, viewed from above, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the magic behind this Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe. Each element works in harmony to build layers of flavor and texture, making this dish delightfully irresistible from start to finish.

1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, savory foundation full of umami and satisfying protein.
4 cups thinly sliced potatoes: The comforting, creamy layer that soaks up all those meaty juices beautifully.
1 cup chopped onion: Adds a sweet and slightly sharp flavor to balance the richness of the beef.
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or homemade): Acts as a creamy binder that keeps everything moist and luscious.
1 cup shredded cheddar: Melts into gooey, golden perfection topping the casserole with a delightful cheesy crust.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and elevate every other flavor in the dish.

How to Make Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef and onion

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it begins to brown. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and fragrant. This step builds the savory base layer and releases flavors that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Prepare the layers

Grease your baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Lay down half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer to create the base. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the beef and creamy soup as it bakes.

Step 3: Add the beef and creamy soup

Spread the browned ground beef and onions evenly over the potato layer. Then, dollop the cream of mushroom soup over the beef, distributing it gently but thoroughly so it seeps into all the nooks and crannies. This ingredient keeps the casserole wonderfully moist and adds a subtle earthiness.

Step 4: Top with remaining potatoes

Cover the beef and soup layer with the remaining sliced potatoes. This final potato layer serves as a perfect foil for the cheesy topping and creates beautiful textural contrast between tender layers of spuds and the savory filling below.

Step 5: Bake covered and add cheese

Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375 °F (190 °C) for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to melt the cheese into a bubbly, golden crust that is simply mouthwatering.

How to Serve Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

The image shows a black frying pan filled with cooked ground meat mixed with small orange and red pieces, likely vegetables, evenly spread throughout. A metal spoon rests inside the pan, partially covered by the food. The background is a white marbled surface. The food has a crumbly texture with some shiny bits, giving it a cooked and slightly moist appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the top after baking add a pop of vibrant color and a slight herbal brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. A dollop of sour cream on the side can also add a silky tang that complements the cheesy layers perfectly.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a one-dish meal but pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh green salads or sautéed green beans to add a refreshing crunch and lively color to the plate. Steamed broccoli or roasted root vegetables can also round out the meal with wholesome nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family gathering, serve the casserole in the baking dish straight from the oven for a rustic, homey touch. Alternatively, portion individual servings in small ramekins for a charming, personal presentation. You can also layer in extra vegetables like sliced zucchini or bell peppers for added color, texture, and nutrition, making the dish even more vibrant and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers even more delicious. Just be sure to cool the casserole to room temperature before refrigeration to avoid condensation and sogginess.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. When you want to enjoy it later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat thoroughly. Freezing is perfect for meal prepping and busy weeknights!

Reheating

To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating individual portions, the microwave works well too but keep an eye on it to prevent drying out — a splash of milk or a bit more shredded cheese can freshen it up wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese gives that classic sharpness and melting quality, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for gooey stretchiness or pepper jack if you want a little extra kick. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese for the best texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or a hearty mix of mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian twist. Use a vegetable cream soup instead of mushroom if you prefer to keep it dairy-free or lighter.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Adding sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or even some corn can add color, sweetness, and extra nutrients. Just layer them with the potatoes or mix right into the beef to distribute throughout the casserole.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

If you want to avoid canned soup, a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk with a little mushroom powder or finely chopped mushrooms is terrific. It gives you more control over added salt and preservatives.

How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork after baking for 45 minutes covered. If they still feel firm, add a little more baking time before uncovering and adding the cheese, to ensure they’re soft and creamy inside.

Final Thoughts

If you want a meal that feels like a warm kitchen hug on a plate, this Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe is the perfect choice. It is straightforward to make, deliciously comforting, and adaptable to your family’s tastes. Once you try it, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a beloved classic in any home. So grab those simple ingredients and get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s both hearty and full of love.

Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 80 reviews

Author: Jane
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This Potato & Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting and hearty family favorite that layers tender sliced potatoes, savory browned ground beef, and creamy mushroom soup, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, this casserole is an easy and satisfying dinner option perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Meat

1 lb ground beef

Vegetables

4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
1 cup onion, chopped

Dairy & Canned Goods

1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz) or homemade equivalent
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning

Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
Brown the Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish lightly. Spread half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the dish. Next, spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes, and spoon the cream of mushroom soup evenly on top. Finally, layer the remaining sliced potatoes to cover everything.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the cover and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Notes

Add sliced zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies and added nutritional value.
Make sure to slice potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking.
Use homemade cream of mushroom soup for a fresher, less processed option.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dinner / Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American