Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes

A comforting, family-friendly casserole featuring tender slices of potatoes layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheese. This dish is perfect for a hearty dinner that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
  • Hearty and filling—ideal for feeding a crowd or big family
  • Layers of savory beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness
  • Customizable with vegetables, seasoning, or cheese swaps
  • Great for make-ahead meals and leftovers

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until no longer pink; drain excess fat.
  3. In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
  4. Layer half the potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Add half the ground beef mixture, then sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
  5. Pour half the soup mixture over the layers. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, soup, and top with remaining cheese.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 60–75 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
  7. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes to brown the cheese.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60–75 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
  • Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables
  • Try using cream of cheddar or cream of celery soup
  • Substitute half the potatoes with sweet potatoes
  • Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping

storage/reheating

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months
  • Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, thawed frozen sliced potatoes can be used, though fresh potatoes are best for texture.

2. What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their texture and flavor.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Do I need to cook the potatoes first?

No, they cook in the oven with the sauce and meat.

5. Can I use different cheese?

Absolutely—try mozzarella, Monterey jack, or pepper jack for variation.

6. What can I use instead of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of celery, cheddar soup, or a homemade white sauce.

7. How do I keep the potatoes from turning brown?

Use them soon after slicing, or soak in water and dry well before layering.

8. Is it gluten-free?

Not unless you use a gluten-free soup—substitute with homemade GF sauce.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use two baking dishes or a large roasting pan; adjust bake time as needed.

10. Can I make it spicier?

Yes, add chili flakes, cayenne, or use spicy cheese like pepper jack.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes is the perfect comfort meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With layers of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, this dish satisfies every craving and is sure to become a regular on your dinner table.

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Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes

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Hearty ground beef and potato casserole layered with savory flavors and melted cheese—a comforting all-in-one dinner.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish / Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (about 600 g) diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
  5. In a separate saucepan, heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil or butter. Add diced potatoes, season lightly, and cook until they begin to soften, about 5–7 minutes.
  6. Add beef broth, reduce heat, cover, and simmer potatoes until nearly tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any remaining liquid.
  7. Layer half the cooked potatoes evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish, then spread the seasoned ground beef on top. Add remaining potatoes over the beef layer.
  8. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Dollop or spread this mixture evenly over the top layer of potatoes.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the casserole.
  10. Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are lightly golden.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use leftover cooked ground beef or rotisserie chicken to reduce prep time.
  • Add diced bell peppers, peas, or corn for extra veggies.
  • Substitute cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
  • To make ahead, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in oven or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

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