If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that brings the whole family to the table with smiles, look no further than this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish where tender slices of potato meet savory ground beef, all blanketed in a creamy sauce and topped with golden, melted cheddar cheese. This casserole is the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will quickly become your go-to weeknight dinner or weekend feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients you likely have on hand, yet each one plays a crucial role in delivering that rich, homestyle taste and delightful texture you expect from a great casserole.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that brings savory depth and a meaty texture.
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced: These provide that creamy, tender bite that balances the beef perfectly.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Acts as the creamy binding sauce, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The cheesy topping that creates a golden, bubbly finish that’s impossible to resist.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate every ingredient without overpowering them.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is soft and fragrant. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the final dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
In a greased casserole dish, lay down half of the thinly sliced potatoes. Next, spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture evenly over the potatoes. Dollop half of the cream of mushroom soup across the beef layer, spreading gently to cover. This layering process locks in moisture and builds flavor bite by bite.
Step 3: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layering one more time with the remaining potatoes, ground beef mixture, and cream of mushroom soup. This double-layer technique ensures that every serving is balanced and delightful.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven to bake for 45 minutes. This gentle baking allows the potatoes to soften completely and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step melts the cheese into a bubbly, golden crust that adds texture and richness to the dish.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or scallions brightens the presentation and adds a subtle fresh flavor that complements the richness of the casserole. A dollop of sour cream on the side also brings a cool tang that’s delightful with every cheesy bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add extra variety, steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad bring a refreshing crunch and lighten the plate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation that excites guests, or layer leftover casserole in a bread bowl for a wow-worthy meal-in-a-bowl experience that’s perfect for casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your family has enjoyed the first serving, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the casserole will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. To prepare for freezing, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to thoroughly cook through.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually about 20-25 minutes. For smaller portions, microwaving on medium power in a covered dish works well, just be careful to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
Can I substitute other types of cheese for the cheddar?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives that classic sharpness, you can use mozzarella for extra gooeyness or pepper jack for a bit of a kick. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep the casserole creamy and delicious.
Is it necessary to use cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute cream of chicken soup if you prefer a lighter flavor, or swap in cream of celery or even a homemade béchamel sauce for a fresh take. The soup acts as a binder and flavor enhancer, so try not to skip it altogether.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Adding frozen peas, carrots, or even chopped bell peppers can bring more flavor, texture, and nutrients to this dish. Just mix them in with the beef before layering.
What can I serve alongside this casserole for a balanced meal?
Pairing this rich casserole with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens can add freshness and contrast to the hearty flavors, resulting in a well-rounded meal everyone will love.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own gluten-free sauce. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt this recipe without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food had a champion dish, this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe would be it. It’s easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or savoring as leftovers. I encourage you to try it out soon—it’s the kind of recipe that warm smiles and food-gasms are made of!
Print
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A hearty, family-friendly ground beef and potato casserole layered with creamy mushroom sauce and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Potato Layers
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole leaner.
- Layer Ingredients: In a greased casserole dish, arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Then spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the cream of mushroom soup, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining potatoes, ground beef mixture, and soup on top, creating a stacked casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture while baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the covered casserole in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, then return it to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme or parsley to enhance the taste.
- Incorporate frozen peas or other vegetables for extra nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
