Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s hearty, delicious, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with a smile? The Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole has you covered! With layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a blanket of golden, bubbling cheese, this classic casserole is pure weeknight magic. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a cozy meal for friends, this dish wins hearts and appetites every single time.

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole brings something special to the table. From the creamy sauce to the vibrant potatoes, these staples unite into comfort food perfection. Here’s how each ingredient makes a difference:

Ground beef: Adds a savory, protein-rich base that makes the casserole hearty and filling.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced, they soak up flavor and provide irresistible texture in every bite.
Onion: Lends subtle sweetness and depth, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness and creates a golden, bubbly crust.
Cream of mushroom soup: Delivers creamy, umami flavors while helping bind the casserole together.
Milk: Thins the soup, making the sauce velvety and easy to pour over the layers.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Step 1: Get Prepped

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a moment to thinly slice your potatoes and dice the onion. A little prep at this stage ensures your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole cooks evenly and comes out picture-perfect.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion. As the beef sizzles and the onions turn translucent, sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This step infuses the casserole with savory flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This luscious sauce will seep through the casserole layers, ensuring every forkful is creamy and full of flavor. If you love experimenting, try swapping in cream of chicken soup for a lighter note or add a bit of garlic powder for zing.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start layering! Begin with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes, then spoon over some of the beef-onion mixture, followed by a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers until all your ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of cheese. This stacking creates the irresistible strata that make Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole so satisfying.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Bake

Slowly pour the soup and milk mixture evenly over your layered casserole, letting it soak through all the nooks and crannies. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes so the potatoes become perfectly tender. Finally, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to let the cheese get irresistibly bubbly and golden.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Garnishes

To take your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole to the next level, try topping it with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color, a sprinkle of chives for a mild oniony kick, or even a dash of smoked paprika for depth. These little touches add both visual and flavor flair.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but try pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to lighten things up. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots also make fabulous accompaniments by adding a touch of sweetness and contrasting texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or small casserole dishes for a bistro-style feel. Or, cut the casserole into squares and stack elegantly on plates, topped with a flourish of fresh herbs. However you present it, Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole always delivers on wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to three days and is quick to reheat for an easy lunch or cozy dinner the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Simply wrap it tightly—either in the baking dish or portioned into individual servings—and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve both texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. For a crispier cheese layer, remove the foil for the last few minutes. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave for a speedy meal.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar brings rich, melty flavor, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a hint of spice. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese for that classic Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole experience.

What’s the best potato to use?

Yukon Gold potatoes are a fantastic choice for their buttery texture and ability to hold up well during baking. Russets also work well but may result in a softer casserole. Slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking throughout.

Can I make this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole ahead?

Yes! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. Perfect for busy schedules or meal prep.

How can I add more vegetables?

Mix in some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach between the layers for extra color and nutrition. If you love a bit of crunch, scatter some corn or peas over the beef layer—it all melds beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Definitely! Just use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup (many brands offer this option) and check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free. The rest of the Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about the cozy, crowd-pleasing power of Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole. Whether you’re gathering family around the dinner table or warming up a chilly evening, this recipe is the kind that brings warmth, comfort, and plenty of smiles. Give it a try — you may just find yourself reaching for it again and again!

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: Amelia
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: High Protein

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Description

Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese — the ultimate comfort casserole.

Ingredients

Ground Beef:

1 lb ground beef

Potatoes:

4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced

Onion:

1 small onion, diced

Cheddar Cheese:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cream of Mushroom Soup:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

Milk:

½ cup milk

Salt & Pepper:

To taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Brown beef: Brown beef with onion; season with salt and pepper.
Mix soup: In a bowl, mix soup and milk until smooth.
Layer ingredients: Layer potatoes, beef, and cheese in a baking dish; pour soup mixture over the top.
Bake: Cover with foil; bake for 45–50 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10 more minutes.