Some dinners are simple — and somehow unforgettable.
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is exactly that kind of meal.
Thin-sliced potatoes bake with seasoned ground beef and a creamy, cheesy sauce until everything melts together into a bubbling, golden pan of comfort. It’s cozy, filling, budget-friendly, and built from ingredients most of us already have in the pantry.
Whether you’re feeding family, meal-prepping for the week, or bringing something shareable to a gathering, this casserole hits that sweet spot: hearty but easy, homemade but low-stress.
You’ll love how every layer soaks up savory flavor — and how the cheese seals it all with a stretchy, delicious top.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort food done right — creamy potatoes, juicy beef, and melted cheese.
No fancy steps — just layer and bake.
Budget-conscious — potatoes + ground beef stretch a long way.
Customizable — swap cheeses, add veggies, or use different seasonings.
It’s the perfect addition to your rotation of easy beef dinners and family-favorite casseroles.
🗺️ ROADMAP: How This Casserole Comes Together
Before cooking, here’s the big picture — so every step feels effortless.
1️⃣ Prep the Potatoes
Peel and slice them thinly. Even slices mean even cooking and silky layers.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef Base
Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Season well — this is where big flavor starts.
3️⃣ Make It Creamy
Add flour, broth, and milk to create a lightly thickened sauce that keeps everything moist instead of dry.
4️⃣ Layer the Casserole
Arrange potatoes, spoon over beef mixture, sprinkle cheese — then repeat. Think “lasagna style.”
5️⃣ Bake in Two Stages
Cover first so the potatoes soften. Uncover near the end to brown the top beautifully.
6️⃣ Rest Before Serving
Let it sit briefly. The layers settle, slice cleaner, and taste richer.
Follow this roadmap once — and you’ll remember it for next time.
Helpful Tips for Success
Slice thin (about ⅛ inch). Thick potatoes take longer to cook.
Season generously. Potatoes love salt and spices.
Let it rest 10 minutes. This is the secret to perfect squares.
Want extra veggies? Stir peas, mushrooms, or corn into the beef layer.
Extra cheesy? Mix cheddar with mozzarella for flavor and stretch.
Serve with a crisp salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread and dinner’s done.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole proves that simple recipes can still feel special. It warms the kitchen, fills the house with cozy aromas, and brings everyone to the table without fuss. Save it, share it, and make it whenever you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
cheesy ground beef & potato casserole
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 cups thinly sliced potatoes russet or Yukon Gold
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Fresh parsley or green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Heat oil in a skillet. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Sprinkle flour over beef and stir. Gradually whisk in broth and milk. Simmer until lightly thickened, then stir in sour cream.
- Layer half the potatoes in the dish. Spread half the beef mixture over top. Add 1 cup cheddar.
- Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and cheddar. Drizzle melted butter and sprinkle mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake 12–15 minutes more, until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish and serve.
