Easy Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

The Coziest Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe Ever

Crafting a delightful ground beef casserole with potatoes can turn an ordinary weeknight into a memorable feast.

Layers of hearty ingredients create a comforting symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Robust meat mingles with tender potato chunks, promising a satisfying meal for everyone at the table.

Seasonal vegetables add depth and nutrition to this classic comfort dish.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.

Minimal prep work ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious dinner.

Let this recipe become your new go-to meal that brings smiles and warmth to your dining experience.

Why This Ground Beef Casserole Works

  • Comfort Food Champion: Packed with hearty ground beef, creamy soup, and tender potatoes, this casserole delivers ultimate satisfaction in every single bite.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Layering ingredients is super simple, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated steps.
  • Family Dinner Hero: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, savory combination that brings everyone together around the table with smiles and clean plates.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and potatoes, creating a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.

Ground Beef Casserole Essential Ingredients

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the savory core of this comforting casserole.
Vegetable Base:
  • Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a deep, rich flavor foundation for the dish.
  • Potatoes: Starchy slices that create a satisfying and filling base layer for the casserole.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: A creamy mixture that helps bind the casserole together and adds a smooth, rich texture.
  • Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that creates a golden, crispy surface with delicious cheesy flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the ground beef and other ingredients.
  • Olive Oil: A cooking fat used to sauté the vegetables and start the flavor development of the dish.

How to Cook This Casserole

How to Cook This Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly heated for baking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil and cook the following ingredients until they become fragrant and soft:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s completely browned.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Break up the meat into small, even pieces while cooking.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Milk

Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole Base

Grease a casserole dish and create the first layer with thinly sliced potatoes.

Step 6: Build the Casserole Layers

Spread half of the seasoned beef mixture over the potato layer.

Pour half of the creamy soup mixture on top of the beef.

Repeat the layering process with remaining beef and soup mixture.

Step 7: Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the final layer.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make cutting easier.

Smart Tips for Perfect Casserole

  • Slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking and perfect texture throughout the casserole.
  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss for unique flavor profiles.
  • Allow casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help set and make serving easier.
  • Consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.

Flavor Combos to Switch It Up

  • Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower slices or zucchini rounds to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning into the beef mixture for a zesty flavor profile.

Delicious Sides for Beef Casserole

  • Comfort Food Night: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add freshness to the meal.
  • Hearty Family Feast: Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to create a complete, nutritious dinner that will satisfy everyone at the table.
  • Weekend Potluck Favorite: Bring this casserole to gatherings and watch it become the star of the meal, accompanied by warm dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.
  • Cozy Weeknight Winner: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions just before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of brightness to the comforting dish.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole is packed with flavors kids love like beef, cheese, and potatoes. Most children enjoy the cheesy, comforting texture and mild seasonings.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. The recipe will still taste delicious and maintain similar cooking instructions.

  • What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this casserole. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a creamy, hearty texture that complements the beef perfectly.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes?

No, you can slice the potatoes raw and layer them directly in the casserole dish. They will cook thoroughly during the baking process, absorbing the soup mixture and becoming tender.

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Easy Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

Easy Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty ground beef casserole with potatoes delivers comfort on a plate for hungry families. Layered with tender potatoes, seasoned meat, and melted cheese, this classic dish provides a satisfying meal packed with homestyle goodness you will crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 potatoes, sliced
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a casserole dish with a light grease coating.
  2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
  4. Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution of spices.
  5. Whisk cream of mushroom soup and milk in a separate bowl until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
  6. Create the first layer in the casserole dish by arranging potato slices across the bottom, covering the entire surface.
  7. Spread half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the potato layer.
  8. Pour approximately half of the soup and milk blend across the beef layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Repeat the layering process with remaining potato slices, beef mixture, and soup blend.
  10. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top layer, creating a complete cheese coverage.
  11. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven.
  12. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
  13. Allow the casserole to rest and cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and even cooking throughout the casserole.
  • Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the ground beef for an extra depth of flavor that complements the creamy base.
  • Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce or Greek yogurt to reduce processed ingredients and lower sodium content.
  • Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld together before cooking.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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