INTRODUCTION
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a warm, simple dish for busy nights. It uses ground beef, sliced potatoes, creamy soup, and melted cheese. You can make it in one baking dish. It feeds a family and gives comfort with little work. If you like easy casseroles, you may also like this slow-cooker version with kielbasa and potatoes for another simple meal: crockpot cheesy potatoes and kielbasa.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it feels like home food. The beef and potatoes make it filling. The cheese makes it rich and tasty. It does not ask for hard steps or odd tools. You can change the spices or cheese to match what you have. It is great for weeknights, potlucks, or when you want a plain but fully satisfying meal. If you want a similar meal that uses ground beef and potatoes in a crockpot, this recipe shows an easy path: crockpot hamburger potato casserole.
HOW TO MAKE Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
This recipe is clear and direct. You brown the beef, mix it with soup and milk, layer potatoes, and bake until tender. You do not need to peel every potato perfectly; simple thin slices work best. Use a sharp knife or a slicer to get even slices. Follow the steps and time, and you will get soft potatoes and melted cheese on top.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet for browning the meat
- Mixing bowl for the soup mix
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife or slicer for potatoes
- 9×13 inch baking dish, greased
- Aluminum foil to cover the dish
- Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
- A spatula or spoon to mix ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 lb ground beef, 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced, 1 onion, chopped, 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice), 1 can cream of mushroom soup, Salt and pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 cup milk
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onion is translucent. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir in the cooked beef mixture.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the potatoes, followed by half of the beef mixture, and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal!
HOW TO SERVE Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
Serve this casserole hot from the oven. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the dish sets and the slices hold together. A sharp spatula helps you lift neat pieces. Offer a green side salad or steamed vegetables on the side to add color and freshness. Plain bread or rolls work well to soak up any sauce. You can also spoon a little sour cream or plain yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Cover the pan with foil or move pieces to an airtight container. In the fridge, it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or warm a large portion in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes.
For freezing, cool the casserole completely. Wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or divide into freezer-safe containers. Label with the date. It will keep for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 30 to 40 minutes. If you bake from frozen, add extra time and cover with foil until heated through.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with a crisp green salad and a simple vinaigrette.
- Steam broccoli or green beans and add a squeeze of lemon.
- A side of pickled vegetables or sliced tomatoes brings a bright contrast.
- Offer a small bowl of ketchup or hot sauce for folks who like extra flavor.
If you want a different main with Asian flavors to serve on another night, try this beef and broccoli option: Chinese beef and broccoli.
VARIATIONS
- Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery for a new taste.
- Use sweet potatoes in place of russet potatoes for a sweet and savory twist.
- Add a layer of frozen corn or peas for color and fiber.
- Stir in a cup of cooked rice to make the dish stretch further and add texture.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the beef while cooking.
- Try different cheeses: Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack to change the flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A: You can, but frozen potatoes may release more water. If you use frozen sliced potatoes, thaw and pat them dry first. You may need to bake a little longer to get the right texture.
Q: Can I make this without cream of mushroom soup?
A: Yes. Use a homemade white sauce (butter, flour, and milk) or another canned cream soup. The soup gives a simple, consistent sauce for the casserole.
Q: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A: Insert a fork into the center. The fork should slide in with little resistance. If the potatoes are still firm, cover and bake another 10 to 15 minutes.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey or chicken work well. Brown them and season the same way. The taste will be lighter, so you may want to add a little extra seasoning.
Q: Is this dish good for kids?
A: Yes. Kids often like the mild flavors and melted cheese. You can leave out strong spices and add more cheese to make it kid-friendly.
Q: Can I add extra veggies?
A: Yes. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots can be cooked with the beef and added to the layers.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
- Prepare the beef mixture up to two days ahead. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When ready to bake, assemble the layers and follow the baking steps.
- Slice potatoes and keep them in water in the fridge for a few hours to prevent browning. Drain and pat dry before layering.
- Assemble the whole casserole a day ahead. Cover it and keep it in the fridge. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it goes into the oven cold.
- If you need to freeze a ready-to-bake casserole, assemble in a freezer-safe dish and wrap tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is easy to make and fills the table with warm comfort. It uses simple pantry items and comes together fast for weeknight dinners. For a variation with a similar mix of beef and potatoes, see this classic take on a budget-friendly casserole at Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Dinner Casserole. If you want another recipe that blends ground beef with potatoes in a different style, try this well-loved version here: Ground Beef and Potato Casserole – Immaculate Bites.
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onion is translucent. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir in the cooked beef mixture.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the potatoes, followed by half of the beef mixture, and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.