Hearty Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Nights

Tucking into a hearty ground beef casserole with potatoes brings pure comfort right to your dinner table.

Cozy layers of seasoned meat and tender potato slices create a classic meal that feels like a warm hug.

Rustic and satisfying, this dish combines simple ingredients with maximum flavor potential.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet delicious, and this casserole delivers perfectly.

Minimal prep work means you can have a wholesome meal ready in under an hour.

Home cooks appreciate how easily this recipe comes together with pantry staples.

Savor every bite of this comforting, filling dish that promises to become a new family favorite.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be easily substituted for ground beef, offering a leaner protein option with similar cooking techniques.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Reduce the cheese amount, use low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and choose lean ground beef to create a lighter version of the casserole without sacrificing flavor.

• What sides work best with this casserole?

Green salads, steamed vegetables, or a light coleslaw complement this hearty dish perfectly, adding freshness and nutritional balance to the meal.

Why Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Is So Filling

• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup, this casserole delivers ultimate satisfaction in every single bite.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward layering technique, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complex cooking skills.
• Family Dinner Winner: Crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, offering a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness that everyone will love.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines multiple ingredients in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and providing a complete meal that saves energy and kitchen mess.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that creates the base of this comforting casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a rich, savory foundation for the dish.

• Potatoes: Sliced potatoes that form a delicious and filling base for the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Shredded Cheese: A creamy sauce that adds moisture and a cheesy topping for extra flavor and richness.

• Olive Oil, Paprika: Oil for sautéing and a spice that adds a subtle warmth and color to the casserole.

How to Bake Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the delicious casserole adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and dance the onions and garlic around until they turn soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it transforms into a beautiful golden brown. Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Create First Potato Layer

Grab your casserole dish and create the first foundation of potato slices, covering the bottom completely.

Step 5: Spread First Beef Layer

Generously distribute half of the browned beef mixture over the potato base, ensuring even coverage.

Step 6: Build Second Layers

Repeat the layering process with remaining potato slices and beef mixture, creating a delicious landscape of flavors.

Step 7: Pour Creamy Topping

Gently cascade the cream of mushroom soup across the top, making sure it reaches all corners of the dish.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Finish

Sprinkle shredded cheese and dust with paprika for a mouthwatering top layer.

Step 9: Initial Baking

Cover the casserole with foil and slide into the oven for 45 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 10: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until potatoes become tender and cheese turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Tips for a Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole

• Swap cream of mushroom soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, healthier option.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added nutrition and a unique flavor twist.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and maintain a crispy casserole texture.
• Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables and enhanced taste profile.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Variations to Try with Beef and Potato Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap paprika for chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.

Serving Suggestions for Beef and Potato Casserole

• Hearty Family Dinner Delight: Serve this comforting casserole as a complete one-dish meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where you want to impress friends and family with a classic, homestyle recipe.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making weeknight dinners a breeze with minimal evening cooking effort.
• Leftover Magic Transformer: Reheat individual portions for a quick lunch or add a fresh side salad to create a brand new meal experience from the previous night's dinner.

Best Storage for Beef and Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the casserole completely before transferring to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
• Avoid leaving the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Hearty Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef casserole with potatoes delivers comfort on cold nights. Layers of seasoned meat, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) paprika
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
2. In a skillet, warm olive oil and sauté diced onions with minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and cooking until thoroughly browned, then carefully drain any accumulated fat.
4. Create the first layer of the casserole by arranging a uniform spread of potato slices across the bottom of the greased dish.
5. Distribute half of the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the potato base.
6. Construct a second layer by placing the remaining potato slices on top of the beef layer.
7. Spread the remaining ground beef mixture across the potato layer to ensure consistent coverage.
8. Gently pour cream of mushroom soup over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between layers.
9. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese and a dusting of paprika across the surface for added flavor and color.
10. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and potatoes to soften.
11. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and potatoes become tender and crisp.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
• Consider substituting cream of mushroom soup with a homemade sauce or Greek yogurt for a lighter, less processed alternative.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyere to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg