Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Meals

Comfort arrives with this cheesy ground beef and potatoes casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over tender potatoes and seasoned meat.

Families adore this simple yet delicious meal that comes together quickly.

Rich flavors mingle in every satisfying bite, creating memories around the dinner table.

Packed with protein and guaranteed to please even picky eaters, this recipe stands as a classic crowd-pleaser.

Warm up your kitchen and fill hungry bellies with this irresistible comfort food that you’ll want to make again and again.

What Makes Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes Great

• Comfort Food Champion: This hearty dish delivers pure comfort with its rich, cheesy layers of ground beef and potatoes that warm you from the inside out.
• Super Simple Preparation: No fancy cooking skills needed – just chop, layer, and bake, making it perfect for busy home cooks looking for a stress-free meal solution.
• Family Dinner Winner: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors and satisfying combination of protein and potatoes that creates a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish, saving time and effort while delivering maximum flavor and nutrition in one delicious casserole.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Potatoes

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the flavorful base of this comforting casserole.
• Potatoes: Sliced potatoes create a satisfying and filling foundation for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, melty topping that adds creamy and tangy flavor.

• Onions, Garlic: These classic aromatics build a deep and savory flavor profile for the beef.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the ground beef.

• Beef Broth, Heavy Cream: These ingredients create a luscious, moist environment that helps cook and tenderize the potatoes.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the rich and hearty casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover and steam the dish during initial baking.

Instructions for Ground Beef and Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and heat it up.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sizzle these ingredients until they release their mouthwatering fragrance and turn slightly golden.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Drop the ground beef into the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color with no pink remaining.

Step 4: Drain Excess Fat

Remove the skillet from heat and carefully drain away any extra grease to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 5: Create Potato Foundation

Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a light grease. Arrange potato slices in an even, overlapping layer across the bottom.

Step 6: Layer the Beef

Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the potato base, creating a hearty foundation for the casserole.

Step 7: Add Creamy Liquid

• Beef broth
• Heavy cream

Ensure the liquid covers the beef and potatoes uniformly.

Step 8: Cheese It Up

Generously shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 9: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 10: Final Crisp

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven.

Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and the potatoes become fork-tender.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips to Enhance Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free cheese to reduce overall calorie and fat content.
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for increased nutritional value and flavor complexity.
• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess moisture in the final dish.

Flavor Spins on Cheesy Ground Beef Potatoes

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same cheesy and creamy texture while creating a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bake: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets, keeping the rich cheese and beef layers for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Skillet: Add diced jalapeños, swap paprika with chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern spin.
• Shepherd's Pie Adaptation: Use ground lamb instead of beef, incorporate frozen mixed vegetables, and top with mashed potatoes for a classic British-inspired dish.

Best Pairings with Cheesy Ground Beef Potatoes

Hearty Family Feast: Serve this comforting dish as a complete one-pan meal that fills hungry bellies and brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Potluck Superstar: Bring this casserole to community gatherings or potlucks – it travels well and will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Game Day Champion: Perfect for sports watching parties, this cheesy beef and potato bake offers a satisfying crowd-pleasing option that’s easy to prepare in advance and keeps guests happy.

Meal Prep Magic: Portion and store leftovers in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners during busy weekdays, reheating easily for a delicious home-cooked meal.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific ingredients to ensure no hidden gluten sources.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture for extra heat.

• What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture when baked.

Ultimate Ground Beef And Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes casserole combines comfort with classic American flavors. Simple ingredients create a satisfying meal that will delight families seeking a quick and delicious dinner option.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup beef broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for a hearty casserole creation.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium-high heat until aromatic and translucent.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, methodically crumbling and browning the meat while seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika for robust flavor.
4. Eliminate excess grease from the cooked beef to ensure a clean, rich base.
5. Create a foundational layer of evenly arranged potato slices in a generously greased 9×13 baking dish.
6. Distribute the seasoned ground beef uniformly across the potato foundation.
7. Drench the assembled layers with a harmonious blend of beef broth and heavy cream, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Lavishly crown the dish with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Encase the casserole with aluminum foil, then bake for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and potatoes to soften.
10. Unveil the foil for the final 15-20 minutes of baking, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece and potatoes to reach perfect tenderness.
11. Elevate the presentation by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface before serving.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create thin, consistent potato slices for better layering and faster cooking.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter version of the casserole.
• Consider swapping heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk for a lower-calorie alternative that still maintains creamy richness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 630 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg