Ground Beef Cheesy Casserole Recipe

If you’re after the ultimate in comfort food that pleases every palate and fills a hungry crowd, this Ground Beef Cheesy Casserole is your new go-to. Imagine layers of savory seasoned beef, creamy soup, tender potatoes, and two hefty helpings of cheddar that melt into golden perfection in the oven. Not only does it come together with a handful of staple ingredients, but it’s also the sort of casserole that brings everyone back for seconds—sometimes thirds!—making it a weeknight favorite and an unbeatable party potluck option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Ground Beef Cheesy Casserole is how it takes everyday, humble ingredients and transforms them into something irresistible. Every item on this list counts—each one adds a distinct touch, whether it’s flavor, richness, texture, or that gooey cheese pull we all adore.

• Ground beef (80% lean): The star of the casserole, adding hearty flavor and meaty texture—choose a balance of fat for juiciness.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Provides a savory creaminess with a subtle earthiness that binds everything together.
• Cream of cheddar cheese soup: Infuses extra cheesiness and a velvety texture that makes each bite luscious.
• Frozen cubed potatoes: No peeling or chopping required; they become tender and satisfying, giving the casserole its hearty backbone.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melts beautifully into the casserole, then forms a bubbly, golden crust on top—make sure to use some inside and more on top for double the cheese factor.
• Salt: Season to taste for bringing all those comforting flavors to life.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth—again, to taste.

How to Make Ground Beef Cheesy Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a 9×13 inch baking dish a thorough grease. This quick step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your casserole servings come out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium and toss in your ground beef. Break it up as it cooks, making sure it’s crumbly and browned with no pink left. Once it’s done, drain off any excess fat to keep your casserole from getting greasy.

Step 3: Mix with Creamy Soups

Transfer the cooked beef to a spacious mixing bowl. Add the cream of mushroom and cream of cheddar cheese soups, stirring until the beef is thoroughly coated and every spoonful is loaded with savory richness.

Step 4: Add Potatoes, Cheese, and Seasonings

Time for the veggies! Stir in the frozen cubed potatoes along with half of your shredded cheddar, then season boldly with salt and black pepper to your liking. Give it a thorough mix, ensuring every piece of potato is nestled into that cheesy, beefy goodness.

Step 5: Assembly in the Baking Dish

Spoon the hearty mixture into your greased dish, spreading it out evenly and pressing down gently. Compacting helps create those irresistible layers we’re after.

Step 6: Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese liberally across the top. This cheesy layer is going to bake into a bubbling, golden lid that everyone will fight over.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover your casserole tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into the hot oven. Bake for 30 minutes—the foil locks in moisture and helps everything meld together.

Step 8: Bake Uncovered for the Perfect Top

After the initial covered bake, pull off the foil and let it go for another 30 minutes. Watch as the cheesy top turns golden and bubbly, signaling it’s almost showtime.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the finished casserole rest for a few minutes out of the oven. This helps everything set nicely, so your servings hold together in glorious, hearty squares.

How to Serve Ground Beef Cheesy Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a dash of sliced green onions, or an extra grind of black pepper gives this Ground Beef Cheesy Casserole that final touch of freshness and color. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of hot sauce or a spoonful of sour cream adds a welcome tang.

Side Dishes

Round out your table with a crisp green salad, fluffy dinner rolls, or even some simple roasted vegetables. These sides help balance the richness of the casserole and bring some welcome freshness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Ground Beef Cheesy Casserole straight from the baking dish for that rustic, homey vibe, or cut into tidy squares and plate individually for more formal gatherings. You can even portion it into ramekins or little oven-safe bowls for personalized servings—a fun touch for a party!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to airtight containers. They’ll keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making this a lifesaver for quick lunches or an easy weeknight heat-and-eat dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your casserole for later, portion it into freezer-safe containers or cover the entire dish tightly with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to three months—just remember to label it with the date for easy meal planning!

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop portions in the microwave until hot, or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different meat in this casserole?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken both make excellent alternatives and will still yield a delicious, satisfying Ground Beef Cheesy Casserole (though the flavor profile will be slightly lighter).

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Yes, just peel and dice your potatoes to a similar size as the frozen cubes. You may want to parboil them for five minutes first to ensure they cook through completely during baking.

What cheeses work best in this recipe?

Classic sharp or medium cheddar is always a hit, but feel free to mix things up with Monterrey Jack or Colby for a different twist. The key is using a cheese that melts well.

Can I prep Ground Beef Cheesy Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the entire dish up until baking, cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to bake, just follow the instructions as usual, allowing a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s straight from the fridge.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The casserole itself is not gluten-free due to the canned soups, but you can substitute with gluten-free versions of cream soups if needed—just check the labels carefully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that brings warmth, cheesy comfort, and “just one more bite” satisfaction to your table, you really can’t go wrong with this Ground Beef Cheesy Casserole. Gather your favorite people, whip this up, and watch it disappear—you may just have found your new family tradition!

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