Hearty and Easy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe to Love

If you’re craving something cozy, budget-friendly, and utterly satisfying, this Ground Beef Potato Casserole is the perfect recipe for your next family dinner. With layers of tender potatoes, juicy ground beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of no-fuss comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead of time, this casserole delivers hearty flavor and a rich, creamy texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

In addition to being incredibly delicious, this ground beef potato casserole is also easy to prepare. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just simple pantry staples and a little bit of layering. Best of all, it’s customizable. From cheese swaps to seasoning changes, you can adapt it based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers. It’s a perfect solution for those nights when you need a complete meal with minimal cleanup and guaranteed satisfaction.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the exact ingredients and helpful tips to smart variations and storage advice—so you can bake this casserole with confidence and ease.

Why This Ground Beef Potato Casserole Is So Comforting

One of the reasons this ground beef potato casserole stands out is its unbeatable combination of flavors and textures. Ground beef adds rich, savory depth while the sliced potatoes soak up the flavors and provide a comforting base. The addition of cream soup (such as cream of mushroom or cream of chicken) lends creaminess and moisture, which ties everything together beautifully. And of course, the melted cheese on top creates that irresistible golden finish that makes casseroles so beloved.

What’s also great is that this dish is incredibly practical. It stretches a pound of ground beef across multiple servings thanks to the filling potatoes and sauce. It’s a fantastic way to feed a family without spending a fortune. Not to mention, it reheats well, so leftovers are just as delicious the next day—making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights when cooking from scratch isn’t realistic.

Additionally, casseroles like this one offer the kind of nostalgic comfort that modern meals often lack. Whether you grew up eating similar dishes or you’re discovering the joy of baked casseroles for the first time, this one is sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients for Ground Beef Potato Casserole with Exact Quantities

To make this hearty and satisfying casserole, gather the following ingredients. These amounts are perfect for a 9×13-inch baking dish, serving about 6–8 people.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish

These simple, everyday ingredients combine to create a dish that’s flavorful, creamy, and satisfying. You can easily swap the soup type or cheese variety depending on your taste preferences or what you have available.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need to Make This Casserole

You don’t need any specialty kitchen gadgets to make this recipe, which makes it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Vegetable peeler (if you want to peel the potatoes)
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Oven mitts
• Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Having everything prepped before you start will make assembling the casserole quicker and more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the ground beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease, then season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to combine and remove from heat.

Step 3: Slice the potatoes
While the beef is cooking, peel (if desired) and thinly slice the potatoes. Aim for even slices, about ⅛ inch thick, so they cook evenly in the oven.

Step 4: Prepare the sauce
In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This will be the creamy binder that keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Layer the casserole
Now it’s time to assemble! Start by spreading a layer of half the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, then pour over half of the soup mixture and sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup, and cheese.

Step 6: Cover and bake
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. After an hour, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Let it rest and serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if you like.

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Tips for a Creamy, Flavor-Packed Potato and Beef Casserole

For the best results, keep the following tips in mind:

• Use a mandoline or a sharp knife for evenly sliced potatoes. Thicker slices may take longer to cook.
• Season the beef well to build flavor early in the cooking process.
• Test potato doneness by piercing with a knife—the casserole is ready when the potatoes are soft all the way through.
• Use full-fat soup and milk for maximum creaminess.
• Cover tightly during the first hour of baking to prevent the top from drying out.
• Let it rest before slicing to avoid a runny casserole.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Tips

This ground beef potato casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also round it out with simple side dishes. Try serving it with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli. Garlic bread or dinner rolls also pair wonderfully to soak up the creamy sauce.

For presentation, consider slicing the casserole into neat squares and serving on white plates for contrast. Add a light sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the look and taste.

Tasty Variations and Ingredient Substitutions to Try

This recipe is delicious as written, but it’s also highly adaptable. Here are some easy variations to try:

• Swap the soup: Use cream of cheddar or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Layer in sautéed mushrooms, peas, corn, or spinach for more color and nutrition.
• Use sweet potatoes: For a slightly sweeter and more nutritious twist, use sweet potatoes instead of russets.
• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef for heat.
• Try a different cheese: Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses all work beautifully.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Ground Beef Casserole

To ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time, avoid these common missteps:

• Using raw meat: Always cook and season the ground beef before assembling.
• Cutting the potatoes too thick: Thicker slices may not cook through, even after 90 minutes.
• Skipping the foil: Without covering, the top can dry out before the potatoes are tender.
• Forgetting to drain the beef: Too much grease can make the casserole oily.
• Overbaking uncovered: Once the foil is off, monitor closely so the cheese doesn’t burn.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Potato Casserole

This casserole stores well and tastes just as good the next day. To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Then, cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or bake in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes until heated through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back some moisture.

You can also freeze this casserole. Wrap portions tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.

Food Pairings to Serve with This Hearty Casserole

Because this casserole is rich and hearty, it pairs well with lighter sides that add freshness and balance. Some great options include:

• A crisp cucumber and tomato salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots
• Steamed asparagus with lemon
• Pickles or sauerkraut for acidity
• Fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes for contrast

To drink, try pairing with iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a light vegetable-based juice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Not necessarily. If you’re using thin-skinned potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, feel free to leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients.

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
You can! Just thaw them completely and reduce the baking time by 15–20 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Only if you use a gluten-free cream soup. Always check labels if cooking for someone with allergies.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Potato Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish—simple, satisfying, and full of rich, homemade flavor. With tender layers of potatoes, seasoned beef, creamy soup, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of recipe that turns weeknight dinners into family favorites. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your fridge with leftovers, this casserole delivers warmth and comfort in every bite.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your fellow comfort food lovers and subscribe to the blog for more hearty, easy-to-make meals that bring everyone to the table. This is one classic recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

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