Name: Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice); 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken); 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil (for cooking)

Are you looking for a comforting, easy-to-make, and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. This savory casserole combines layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile, simple, and sure to become a household favorite. Read on to discover how to make this classic comfort food dish and tips for perfecting it every time.

What is a Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes?

Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a layered dish typically made with seasoned ground beef, sliced or diced potatoes, cheese, and sometimes vegetables like onions or bell peppers. The ingredients are baked together in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is perfectly melted and golden brown. This casserole is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, making it a popular choice for families looking for an easy dinner solution. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — it uses affordable ingredients, requires minimal prep work, and delivers delicious results with every bite.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

To make this hearty and delicious Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:

1 pound ground beef: Lean ground beef is preferred to minimize excess grease, but you can also use regular ground beef if desired.
4 large potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best, but any type of potato will do. Slice them thinly for even cooking.
1 medium onion: Finely diced. Onions add a nice flavor and aroma to the dish.
2 cloves garlic: Minced. Garlic enhances the overall flavor and depth of the casserole.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works well, depending on your preference. You can also substitute with a different type of cheese.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: This adds creaminess and richness to the dish, helping bind the ingredients together.
½ cup milk: Helps create a creamy sauce when combined with the soup.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic.
1 teaspoon salt: To season the meat and potatoes.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a little kick.
½ teaspoon paprika: Optional, but it adds a nice color and smoky flavor.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an herbal note to complement the flavors.
Fresh parsley for garnish: Optional, but adds a nice touch of color and freshness when serving.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the reasons Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is such a beloved recipe is its versatility. Here are some common substitutions and variations to try based on your preferences or dietary needs:

Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner option or want to cut back on red meat, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Sweet Potatoes: Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to give the dish a slightly sweeter and more nutrient-rich twist.
Vegetables: Add extra veggies like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to incorporate more nutrients and bulk up the casserole. You can even use a frozen mixed vegetable blend for convenience.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with different types of cheese. Try mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a bit of heat.
Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb variation, replace the potatoes with cauliflower. You can either slice cauliflower into thin layers or use cauliflower rice.
Vegan/Dairy-Free: To make a vegan version of this dish, use plant-based ground beef alternatives, dairy-free cheese, and replace the cream of mushroom soup with a vegan-friendly version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is straightforward, with easy-to-follow steps. Here’s how to prepare the dish from start to finish:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
Prepare the potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. You want them to be about ¼-inch thick so they cook evenly.
Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Season the beef: Once the ground beef is browned, season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir to combine, then remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the creamy sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
Layer the casserole: Start by placing an even layer of sliced potatoes in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Then, add half of the ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef and potatoes. Repeat with a second layer of potatoes, ground beef, and the remaining soup mixture.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not slicing potatoes thinly enough: If your potatoes are too thick, they may not cook through properly, leaving you with a crunchy texture. Always aim for uniform slices around ¼-inch thick for even cooking.
Overcrowding the layers: Be mindful not to pack too many layers in the casserole dish. Keeping the layers evenly spread allows for even cooking and ensures the flavors meld together properly.
Skipping the draining of ground beef: Failing to drain excess grease from the ground beef can result in a greasy casserole. Make sure to thoroughly drain the meat after browning.
Forgetting to cover with foil: If you don’t cover the casserole with foil during the first half of the baking process, the potatoes may dry out before they fully cook.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes not only taste delicious but look visually appealing, try some of these presentation ideas:

Serve in individual ramekins: For a more elegant presentation, you can portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This makes serving easy and gives each guest a perfectly baked portion.
Top with fresh herbs: Garnish the finished dish with fresh parsley, thyme, or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Add a side salad: Serve the casserole alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the oven. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into portions to let the layers set. This makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
Pair it with a light side dish like steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp salad. The casserole is already hearty, so a lighter side dish complements it well without making the meal too heavy.

Recipe Tips for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and follow the baking instructions.
Freezing instructions: Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes freezes beautifully. Simply prepare the casserole as directed, but stop before the baking step. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a larger group, this recipe doubles easily. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of meat in this casserole?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute can work as alternatives to beef.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, carrots, peas, or even spinach can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.

How can I store leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave.

What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for quicker reheating.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a classic, comforting meal that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or preparing ahead for busy weeknights. Its simplicity, versatility, and satisfying flavors make it a must-try recipe for any home cook. Whether you’re sticking to the classic version or trying out some of the substitutions and variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Give it a try today and enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner that everyone will love!