Rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, this Homemade Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is comfort food at its finest. Layers of tender potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese come together to create a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking up on leftovers.

Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a lazy Sunday dinner, this casserole brings warmth to the table with every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug — simple ingredients, old-fashioned flavors, and a golden cheesy top that wins hearts instantly.

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

Family Favorite: This classic casserole pleases picky eaters and hearty appetites alike.
One Dish Wonder: Fewer dishes, less fuss — everything cooks in one baking dish.
Versatile: Add vegetables, swap cheeses, or spice it up to suit your taste.
Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: Assemble it the day before, refrigerate, and bake when needed.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get the best results from your casserole, the right preparation and tools make all the difference:

Mandoline or Sharp Knife: For slicing potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly.
Large Skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef and enhancing flavor.
Mixing Bowls: For blending sauces and mixing cheese layers.
9×13-inch Casserole Dish: The perfect size to layer everything and bake evenly.
Foil & Oven Mitts: Use foil to cover the casserole during the first part of baking to keep it moist, and oven mitts for safety, of course.

These tools ensure each layer cooks beautifully, and the final casserole is creamy, hearty, and golden brown on top.

Ingredients for the Homemade Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Ground Beef: The hearty base, seasoned and browned for deep savory flavor.
Russet Potatoes: Sliced thin for perfect layering; they soak up all the goodness.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds melty, golden richness to every bite.
Onion: Brings sweetness and a touch of sharpness that enhances the beef.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the casserole with warmth and depth.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential for flavor balance.
Milk: Helps soften the potatoes and create a creamy texture.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: A classic binder that ties everything together.
Butter (optional): For greasing the dish or dotting on top for extra indulgence.

How To Make the Homemade Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Dice the onion. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add diced onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions are soft. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Add half the beef mixture, then pour half the soup mixture over it. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake another 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Serving and Storing Homemade Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

This casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a side salad for crunch. It pairs well with crusty bread or steamed vegetables.

For leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.

You can also freeze this casserole. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Slice them about 1/8 inch thick. Too thick and they won’t cook through; too thin and they may break down.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack work great depending on your flavor preference.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! Try adding bell peppers, corn, peas, or mushrooms in the layers for extra texture and nutrition.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

A homemade roux with butter, flour, and milk or cream of chicken soup are good alternatives.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

How do I prevent the top from burning?

Keep it covered with foil for most of the bake time, then uncover for the last 20 minutes to let it brown nicely.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Homemade Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, here are some more comforting casserole dishes you’ll love:

Try the ultra-savory French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for another beefy classic.
This Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole is pure cheesy indulgence.
Looking for baked potato comfort? The Easy Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole blends veggies and protein perfectly.
Don’t miss the Slow Cooker Steak and Cheddar Potato Casserole for a hands-off dinner win.
For a budget-friendly twist, check out the Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole.

Save This Pin For Later

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

Follow Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest for daily inspiration and more hearty favorites like this casserole.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go extra cheesy? Add a veggie twist? I’d love to hear your spin on it — questions are always welcome too.