Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 cups thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Looking for a comfort food classic that hits every savory note? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is layered with seasoned beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a rich, gooey cheese sauce that pulls it all together into a warm, bubbling bake. It’s hearty, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest family members.

This is the kind of dish that reminds you of home. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday supper, this casserole delivers familiar flavors in every bite. You can prep it ahead, store leftovers beautifully, and it’s even better the next day. Trust us, you’ll want this recipe in regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

This casserole is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. With only a few budget-friendly ingredients, you get a filling meal that feels indulgent without being fussy. The creamy cheese layer melts into the beef and potatoes, creating that irresistible golden top crust everyone fights over.

It also scales easily—make a double batch for a larger group or portion out and freeze for busy nights. Plus, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples and stretch ground beef into a full meal.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for evenly baking and layering the casserole.
Large Skillet: To brown the ground beef and develop flavor with aromatics.
Mandoline or Sharp Knife: For slicing potatoes thin and evenly, ensuring they cook fully.
Mixing Bowls: To combine cheese, seasonings, or any sauce components.
Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole during initial baking and prevent over-browning.

Using the right tools ensures consistent results—from evenly cooked potatoes to a gooey, bubbling cheese top. Don’t skip on preheating your oven and greasing your baking dish, as these small steps help everything bake to perfection.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Ground Beef – The flavorful, protein-packed base of the dish.
Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes – These slice up beautifully and hold their shape when baked.
Onion – Adds a savory-sweet base flavor when sautéed with the beef.
Garlic – For an extra depth of flavor that blends perfectly with the meat.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Melts into a creamy, bold layer of flavor.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (or homemade white sauce) – Adds creaminess and ties the layers together.
Milk – Helps thin out the sauce and aids in even cooking.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning both the beef and the sauce.
Paprika or Smoked Paprika (optional) – Adds color and a subtle warmth.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – Brings a touch of freshness to the final dish.

How To Make the Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika if using.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife. Soak the slices briefly in water and pat dry to remove excess starch.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin with a layer of sliced potatoes, then add a layer of the cooked ground beef mixture. Pour some of the cheese sauce over the layers. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Serving and Storing This Casserole

Serve this casserole warm and bubbling right out of the oven with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side. It pairs well with crusty bread for mopping up the cheesy sauce.

For storing, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F until heated through or microwave in short intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives. For extra richness, ground pork or a beef-pork mix works well.

Do I have to use cream of mushroom soup?

Not at all. You can substitute with a homemade white sauce or use cream of chicken or cheddar soup for a twist.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it unbaked.

My potatoes aren’t cooking through, what happened?

This can happen if the slices are too thick. Make sure they’re about 1/8-inch thick. You can also pre-boil them for 5 minutes.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Try layering in thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach for extra nutrition and color.

How do I keep the cheese from burning?

Be sure to cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking. Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to brown the top.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for rich, beefy comfort.
Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole for a hands-off version.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a cheesy pasta twist.
Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for a full one-pan meal.
Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole for a quick and rustic option.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add veggies? Switch up the cheese? Maybe spice it up with jalapeños?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better.

For more delicious everyday recipes, visit my Pinterest board at Kitchen By Kate.