Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to embrace the comforting magic of Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes! This hearty classic layers tender potato slices with juicy seasoned beef, smothers everything in a creamy sauce, and blankets it all in loads of golden cheddar cheese. The result? A satisfyingly rich, soul-warming dish that brings smiles to everyone at the table. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing family dinner or something cozy for a chilly night in, this is the casserole you’ll want to turn to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is its reliance on simple, honest ingredients. Each element is essential: the potatoes bring substance, the ground beef infuses savoriness, the soup and milk lend creaminess, and of course, the cheese provides that irresistible melt. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love them:

• Russet potatoes (4 lbs): These are perfect for baking, holding their shape while soaking up all the creamy, beefy flavors.
• Ground beef (1 lb): Lean, flavorful beef makes this casserole satisfyingly meaty without being greasy.
• Onion, diced (1): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the savory layers.
• Cream of chicken soup (10 oz can): Delivers rich, creamy texture and ties all the flavors together.
• Evaporated milk (12 oz can): Enhances the creaminess and gives a slightly sweet, luxe mouthfeel.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce just enough to seep through every layer.
• Salt (2 teaspoons, divided): Helps bring out every note of flavor from both the beef and potatoes.
• Pepper (1 teaspoon, divided): Lends a gentle spicy kick and balances the creamy elements.
• Onion powder (2 teaspoons): Gives a deeper savory undertone that pairs beautifully with the fresh onion.
• Cheddar cheese, shredded (4 cups): Melts into ooey, gooey glory—use sharp cheddar for that extra flavor punch.

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by grabbing your trusty skillet and heating it over medium. Crumble in the ground beef along with diced onion, half a teaspoon salt, and a quarter teaspoon pepper. Sauté, breaking up the beef, until it’s no longer pink and the onions soften—this not only cooks the meat through but allows the beefy juices to mingle with the onion’s sweetness. Once done, drain off any excess grease, then set your savory beef mixture aside for layering later.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk up the cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, 1 teaspoon salt, another quarter teaspoon pepper, and the onion powder. This dreamy, luscious mixture is the secret that gives Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes its signature moist, creamy texture in every bite.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Grease your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish, then dive into assembly! Arrange one-third of the peeled, sliced potatoes onto the bottom. Top with one-third of the savory beef mix, sprinkle over a cup of cheddar cheese, then dust with a little salt and pepper. Repeat these beautiful layers two more times so that every forkful gets potatoes, beef, and melty cheese.

Step 4: Pour on the Sauce and Bake

Drizzle the creamy milk mixture evenly over your layered casserole. This not only adds moisture but ensures every layer cooks into glorious, cheesy tenderness. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for a full hour—this gives the potatoes time to soften and the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add More Cheese and Finish Baking

After an hour, check if the potatoes are fork-tender (they should be nearly melting!). If they’re ready, take off the foil, scatter the remaining cheese across the top, and slide the dish back into the oven for another 5 minutes. This short extra bake is crucial for achieving that golden, bubbling cheese crown you’ll want to dive into.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Patience pays off—let your Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes rest for about 15 minutes outside the oven. This pause gives the creamy sauce time to thicken and makes serving neater, ensuring every scoop holds together beautifully with a cheesy blanket on top.

How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes really elevate this homey dish! Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hit of herbal freshness. A quick dusting of paprika also gives a touch of smoky flavor while making the top look even more tempting.

Side Dishes

Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes deserves friendly sides! Round out the meal with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots. A basket of soft dinner rolls is also perfect for mopping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, try making this casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch or shape it into muffin tins for a fun twist at potlucks. You can also prep ahead and bake it in two smaller dishes for easy freezing or gifting to friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes keeps like a dream! Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers, then refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it ideal for grab-and-go lunches or a quick dinner later in the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, this casserole is absolutely freezer-friendly. Cool completely, wrap well in plastic wrap and foil, or use airtight freezer containers. Store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20–30 minutes, depending on size), or microwave individual portions for a minute or two. If the casserole looks a touch dry, a splash of milk swirled in before reheating will bring the creamy texture right back.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! Yukon gold potatoes are a suitable alternative if you prefer a creamier bite, or red potatoes for another rustic spin. Just make sure to slice whichever potatoes you choose thinly and evenly for best results.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork all work beautifully in this recipe. You’ll still get a delicious, hearty casserole, just with a fresher twist on the flavor profile.

What’s the best way to slice the potatoes?

Using a mandoline makes it super quick and ensures uniform slices for even cooking, but a sharp knife does the trick, too. Try to keep slices about 1/8-inch thick so they become tender right on time.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Simply assemble the casserole up to the point before baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10–15 minutes extra to the bake time since it’ll be cold going into the oven.

How can I add more veggies to this dish?

Sneak in a layer of baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers between the beef and potato layers. They’ll cook down beautifully while adding color, nutrients, and even more flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cheesy, comforting, and endlessly satisfying, this Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is simply the dish to try. There’s a reason families come back to classics like this: they’re foolproof, adaptable, and just plain delicious. Gather your loved ones, preheat that oven, and get ready for the kind of meal everyone will ask for again and again!

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