Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Classic comfort food with creamy layers of flavor

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole brings together all the cozy flavors of home in one hearty dish. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese are baked together in a rich, creamy sauce that makes every bite irresistible. It’s an easy weeknight dinner recipe that combines simplicity with crowd-pleasing flavor, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or chilly fall evenings when you need something filling and delicious. With wholesome ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is proof that comfort food can be simple to make and satisfying to eat.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 4 medium russet potatoes (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This casserole doesn’t require any fancy gadgets, just a few kitchen basics you already have on hand:

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish.
2. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
3. Prepare the creamy sauce: Stir in butter and sprinkle with flour if using. Slowly pour in beef broth and cream, whisking until slightly thickened and smooth.
4. Assemble the layers: Place half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients to create two full layers.
5. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
6. Serve: Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Pro Tips

• Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Make it heartier: Add a layer of cooked vegetables like spinach, peas, or diced carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Prep ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve for a no-fuss dinner.
• Cheese variations: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby cheese to give the casserole a milder, creamy twist.

Nutrition Table

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the definition of classic comfort food. With layers of creamy potatoes, perfectly seasoned beef, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this casserole is ideal for any night of the week. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal that never goes out of style.

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole that layers thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese in a rich, creamy sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 560 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 4 medium russet potatoes (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
• Stir in butter and sprinkle with flour if using. Slowly pour in beef broth and cream, whisking until slightly thickened and smooth.
• Place half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients to create two full layers.

Baking

• Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
• Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Notes

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For a heartier meal, add a layer of cooked vegetables like spinach, peas, or diced carrots. Assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a milder flavor.

Keyword Casserole, Cheesy, Comfort Food, Ground Beef, Potato