Few things comfort like a bubbling, golden casserole coming fresh out of the oven. This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Dinner Casserole is a soul-warming classic that brings back all the nostalgic feels of grandma’s kitchen. With tender chunks of potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and loads of melty cheese, it’s the ultimate one-dish meal for weeknights or potlucks.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead of time, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, economical, and packed with flavor. Each bite delivers a creamy, cheesy experience with the richness of beef and the comforting texture of perfectly cooked potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Dinner Casserole

One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters won’t resist the cheesy, beefy goodness.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap in ground turkey for a leaner option.
Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Having the right tools on hand makes prepping this casserole smooth and simple:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for browning the ground beef and softening vegetables evenly.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: To chop potatoes and dice veggies efficiently.
Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining all ingredients before layering them in the baking dish.
9×13” Baking Dish: The perfect size to hold all the layers and allow even cooking.
Foil: Keeps moisture in while baking, then removed to brown the cheese topping.

Each of these tools plays a crucial role in bringing the dish together effortlessly. Skipping or substituting may lead to uneven cooking or missed flavor potential.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Dinner Casserole

Ground Beef: The hearty base of the casserole, providing protein and rich flavor.
Potatoes: Diced into bite-sized chunks; they become soft and creamy as they bake.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds that essential gooey, melty layer on top.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Binds everything together with its creamy texture.
Onion: For depth of flavor and a slight sweetness once sautéed.
Celery: Adds a tender crunch that balances the softness of the potatoes.
Carrots: Infuses the dish with subtle sweetness and color.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For added seasoning and savory depth.
Salt & Black Pepper: To season all the components to perfection.

How To Make the Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Dinner Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pan and cook until just tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Base

While the beef cooks, peel and dice the potatoes into small, even chunks. Set them aside in cold water to prevent browning.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture, drained potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13” baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 45 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes it easier to slice.

How to Serve and Store This Casserole

Serving Tips

Serve this casserole hot straight from the oven, paired with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also works well with crusty bread or dinner rolls to scoop up every cheesy bite.

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Freezing Instructions

This casserole freezes beautifully! After baking, let it cool fully, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal. They hold up well during baking and develop a tender, creamy texture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and pairs nicely with the cheese and potatoes.

Do I need to cook the potatoes beforehand?

No need! As long as the potatoes are diced small and evenly, they will cook perfectly in the oven.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

You can add peas, bell peppers, or even frozen mixed vegetables. Just make sure they’re chopped small to cook evenly.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Swap the cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free version or make a homemade roux using gluten-free flour and broth.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Dinner Casserole, here are some other delicious baked dishes you might enjoy:

French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for a rich, savory twist.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole loaded with cheesy indulgence.
Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for a creamy veggie-packed option.
Simple Chili Con Carne Recipe for a hearty, spicy kick.
Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole when you’re short on time but craving comfort food.

Save This Pin For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use sharp cheddar or go for a cheese blend? Did you toss in some bell peppers or spice it up with paprika?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Feel free to share tips or ask questions – let’s keep dinner creative and cozy!

👉 For more comfort food and everyday dinner ideas, follow my board at Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest.