Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives with this hearty cheesy ground beef and potatoes casserole that hugs your taste buds.

Layers of rich flavors promise a satisfying meal everyone craves.

Russet potatoes create a creamy foundation for seasoned beef and melted cheese.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal preparation and maximum deliciousness.

Home kitchens will buzz with excitement when this dish emerges from the oven.

Crispy edges and bubbling cheese make this recipe irresistible.

Grab a fork and dive into pure culinary happiness.

Why This Cheesy Beef and Potato Recipe Works

• Quick Comfort Cooking: Whip up a hearty one-dish meal that brings warmth and satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Combine affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes to create a filling, delicious dinner that won't break the bank.
• Family-Pleasing Layers: Stack cheese, meat, and potatoes in a way that guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike, making mealtime a crowd-pleasing experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals when you want something comforting and straightforward to prepare.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Ground Beef: A savory and hearty meat that provides the main protein for this casserole dish.

• Onions, Garlic Powder: These aromatics add depth and flavor to the ground beef and potato layers.

• Potatoes: A starchy base that creates a comforting and filling foundation for the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Provides a rich, melty layer that adds creaminess and enhances the overall flavor.
• Butter, Milk: Create a smooth, creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: These spices enhance and balance the flavors of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the ground beef and prevents sticking in the skillet.

Step-by-Step for Cheesy Beef Potato Bake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to get ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook ground beef until it’s nicely browned and crumbly.

Transfer the beef to a separate plate.

Step 3: Soften The Onions

In the same skillet, sauté onions until they become translucent and tender.

Step 4: Create First Potato Layer

Grab a baking dish and generously grease it.

Spread a generous layer of potatoes across the bottom.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Step 5: Build First Protein Layer

• Cooked ground beef
• Sautéed onions
• Shredded cheese

Step 6: Repeat Layering

Duplicate the previous layer, creating a second set of delicious strata.

Step 7: Prepare Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and blend in milk.

Season with paprika for extra warmth and flavor.

Pour this liquid gold evenly across the casserole.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top turns golden and edges bubble beautifully.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Helpful Hints for Cheesy Beef Casserole

• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance meat's caramelization for richer flavor.
• Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish, preventing undercooked or overcooked sections.
• Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for a more complex, creamy melting quality that adds depth to the casserole.
• Swap potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to create a keto-friendly version while maintaining the dish's hearty, satisfying essence.
• Layer seasonings between each ingredient to distribute flavor evenly and create a more balanced, robust taste profile in every bite.

Flavor Variations for Cheesy Beef and Potatoes

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted black beans for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Add diced green chiles, swap regular cheese for pepper jack, and include taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter dish.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use cornstarch instead of flour-based thickeners for sensitive individuals.

Perfect Pairings for Cheesy Beef Dish

• Family-Style Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a fresh green salad for added nutrition and color contrast.
• Protein Power-Up: Pair with grilled vegetables or steamed broccoli to boost protein and vegetable intake for a balanced dinner plate.
• Comfort Food Companion: Add a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complement the rich flavors of the beef and potatoes.
• Game Day Delight: Transform leftovers into a quick lunch by reheating and topping with a fried egg for extra protein and a gourmet touch.

How to Store Cheesy Beef Potato Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warm and cheese melts completely.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have all the original recipe components?

You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Instead of regular milk, use almond or oat milk. If you’re out of shredded cheese, try using grated parmesan or pre-sliced cheese.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and reheat in the oven at 350F for about 20 minutes. It maintains its flavor and texture well and can last up to 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your cheese and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Cheesy Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty cheesy ground beef and potatoes casserole blends savory meat with creamy potato layers. Simple ingredients create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Starch and Vegetables:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring optimal temperature for a golden, crispy casserole.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked, breaking into crumbly pieces. Transfer to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet aromatics.
4. Prepare a greased baking dish, creating the first foundation layer with half of the sliced potatoes.
5. Generously season potato layer with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance underlying flavors.
6. Distribute half of the cooked ground beef evenly across the seasoned potato base.
7. Sprinkle sautéed onions over the beef, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheese.
8. Repeat the layering process: remaining potatoes, second portion of ground beef, onions, and cheese.
9. In a saucepan, melt butter and blend with milk, whisking in paprika for a rich, creamy sauce.
10. Pour the seasoned sauce uniformly over the layered casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
11. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to develop deep, melded flavors.
12. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until surface turns golden and cheese bubbles.
13. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, lower-fat alternative that keeps the dish protein-packed.
• Customize the cheese by mixing different varieties like sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a more complex flavor profile that adds depth to the casserole.
• Boost nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers or spinach between layers, creating extra vegetable intake without changing the dish’s comforting essence.
• Reduce cooking time by pre-boiling potatoes slightly, which helps create a faster and more evenly cooked casserole with perfectly tender potato slices.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 640 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg