If you’re looking for a dish that wraps cozy comfort in every bite, this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe has got you covered. Imagine layers of tender sliced potatoes mingling with savory ground beef cooked just right with onions, all smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with a blanket of perfectly melted cheddar cheese. It’s a family-friendly gem that’s both satisfying and simple to make, bringing warmth to your dinner table with its rich flavors and delightful textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this delicious casserole. Each component brings something special to the dish—from the hearty ground beef adding protein and depth, to the creamy soup that binds everything together, making it irresistibly luscious.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean beef for a perfect balance of flavor and moisture without excess grease.
- 3 cups sliced potatoes: Thin slices cook evenly and create a tender, comforting base layer.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aroma that elevates the beef’s savory notes.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, providing that iconic cheesy finish everyone loves.
- 1 can cream of mushroom or chicken soup: Acts as the creamy binder that keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors and add just the right punch.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
Begin by browning the ground beef with the diced onions in a skillet over medium heat. This step releases the beef’s rich flavor and softens the onions, marrying their tastes beautifully. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Prepare Your Potato Layer
Take your sliced potatoes and arrange them neatly in the bottom of a casserole dish. This creates a comforting, soft base that will soak up the flavors from the layers above.
Step 3: Add the Beef Mixture
Spread the cooked ground beef and onions evenly over the potato layer. This ensures each bite gets a hearty helping of protein combined with tender potatoes.
Step 4: Mix the Soup and Water, then Pour
In a small bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom or chicken soup with a quarter cup of water to loosen it. Pour this creamy mixture over the beef and potatoes; it will add moisture and keep all layers juicy while baking.
Step 5: Bake Covered at 375°F
Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and the flavors to blend perfectly.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Finish Baking
Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to melt the cheese into a gooey, bubbly golden crust—making it impossible to resist.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of crisp parsley bring a pop of color and fresh flavor to this rich casserole. A dollop of sour cream can also add a tangy contrast that brightens each mouthful.
Side Dishes
Pairing this casserole with steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or even roasted vegetables rounds out the meal nicely. These lighter sides balance the richness of the cheesy ground beef and potato layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the casserole in a rustic cast-iron dish right from the oven, letting the melted cheese bubble enticingly. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins for elegant single servings that make guests feel truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and avoid drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this casserole later, you can freeze it before baking. Wrap it well in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty foil, and store for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty again—about 20 minutes is usually perfect. Avoid microwaving to keep the potatoes tender and the cheese pleasantly gooey.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in the casserole?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for some heat, mozzarella for extra stretch, or a blend of your favorites to create a unique twist.
Is it possible to add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans before baking can enhance the dish’s nutrition and add wonderful texture. Just mix them into the beef layer or scatter between layers.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it covered. Just add the cheese topping before baking so it stays fresh and melts beautifully when you cook it.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are excellent choices because they hold their shape while becoming tender. Slice them thinly to ensure even cooking within the casserole.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
For a spicy kick, swap regular cheddar for pepper jack cheese, or add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños into the beef mixture. It’s an easy way to elevate the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that brings comfort, ease, and flavor all at once. This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe checks every box with its hearty layers and melty, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking to impress friends, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a beloved favorite. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort meal.
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Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A hearty and comforting dinner casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make cheesy ground beef and potato casserole is perfect for family meals and can be customized with veggies or spicier cheese varieties.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups sliced potatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened. Drain any excess fat from the mixture.
- Layer Potatoes: Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of a greased casserole dish to form the first layer.
- Add Beef Mixture: Spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the layered potatoes.
- Prepare Soup Mixture: In a small bowl, stir the cream of mushroom or chicken soup together with ¼ cup water until smooth, then pour this mixture evenly over the beef and potatoes.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the cover, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- For a complete meal, add mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn between the layers.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to add a spicy kick.
- Make sure to slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Allow casserole to rest 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
