If you love cozy comfort food that’s hearty, satisfying, and easy enough for a busy weeknight, let me introduce you to this fabulous Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole. Brimming with seasoned ground beef, layers of golden potatoes, creamy sauce, and a bubbling blanket of melted cheddar, this dish is pure comfort in every bite. Perfect for feeding the family or meal prepping for days ahead, it’s a recipe that genuinely checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and nostalgia!

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole so special is the simple list of ingredients—each one bringing an essential flavor, texture, or rich color to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Ground beef: The base of our casserole, bringing hearty flavor and satisfying protein.
Onion: Adds sweet, savory notes that balance the richness of the beef.
Garlic: Elevates the flavor with a fragrant touch that pairs perfectly with beef.
Potatoes: Sliced thin, these create tender, creamy layers that absorb all the delicious juices.
Cream of mushroom soup: Provides the creamy, comforting backbone that holds all the flavors together.
Milk: Thins the soup, making the sauce extra luscious and helping it spread smoothly.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, offering that irresistible golden finish.
Dried thyme: Adds an herby, aromatic undertone that works wonders with beef and potatoes.
Paprika: Brings subtle warmth and a gorgeous color to every layer.
Salt and black pepper: Brighten and deepen all the savory elements in the casserole.
Olive oil or butter (for greasing): Prevents sticking and adds a hint of richness to the base.

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so everything is ready to bake as soon as you assemble the layers. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter to ensure all those delicious bits release easily and you get perfect, golden edges every time.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef together with the diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion turns tender, about 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute to release its full flavor. Sprinkle in the thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a savory, well-seasoned base that forms the soul of the casserole.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup with the milk until the mixture is smooth and pourable. This creamy sauce is what transforms simple beef and potatoes into a luscious, crave-worthy casserole.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Now for the fun part! Lay half of your thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Top with half of the flavorful beef mixture, then pour over half of the creamy soup mixture. Repeat the layers, making sure to finish with the last of the soup mixture so every bite is moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Bake and Finish with Cheese

Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. When the potatoes have begun to turn tender, remove the foil, scatter the shredded cheddar cheese across the top, and return the casserole to the oven for 15 more minutes. Wait until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden. The irresistible aroma will let you know it’s ready!

How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. A dash more paprika over the melted cheese can create a beautiful contrast and little flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is filling enough to be the star of the plate, but it pairs nicely with a crisp side salad tossed in vinaigrette, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal with some veggie crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve generous squares straight from the pan for a rustic family dinner, or use a round biscuit cutter for perfect portions at a brunch spread. For a fun twist, layer the casserole into individual ramekins for personalized servings at gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole keeps beautifully! Pop any extra portions into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors only get cozier as they meld together overnight.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully for future meals. Let it cool completely, then slice or scoop into freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved for quick lunches or dinners—just add a splash of milk if the casserole seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives that classic, flavorful finish, you can swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even mozzarella for a milder and extra-melty twist.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No need unless you prefer a super-soft texture—leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients and a rustic feel to the dish.

Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?

Yes! Frozen peas, corn, or even diced bell peppers make delicious additions. Just scatter them between the layers for added color and nutrition.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

No problem! Cream of cheddar or cream of celery will work beautifully. You can even use a homemade white sauce for a more from-scratch version.

Can I make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely—ahead-of-time assembly is a huge bonus. Prep the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if going straight from fridge to oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a hot, bubbling dish of Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole coming out of the oven. It’s cozy, customizable, and sure to win over anyone who craves comfort food with heart. Give it a try soon—you might just discover a new favorite for your family’s table!

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese come together to create a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Potato Layer:

4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)

Soup Mixture:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Additional:

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for greasing

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion until browned and crumbly, about 6–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Season with thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Prepare soup mixture: In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
Assemble casserole: Layer half of the potatoes in the baking dish, top with half the beef mixture, then pour over half of the soup mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with remaining soup mixture.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of cheddar or cream of celery.
You can also add frozen peas or corn for extra vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American