Hearty Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand hearty, comforting meals that ground beef casserole with potatoes effortlessly delivers.

Packed with robust flavors and satisfying textures, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tender potatoes mingle with seasoned beef, creating a delightful harmony of ingredients.

Layers of melted cheese add a golden, irresistible touch to this classic comfort food.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal preparation.

Simple, wholesome, and utterly delicious, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Gather your appetite and get ready to savor every mouthwatering bite.

FAQs

• Is ground beef good for this casserole?

Ground beef is perfect for this recipe. It adds rich flavor and protein, making the casserole hearty and satisfying. Use lean ground beef for the best taste and texture.

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes work best because they hold their shape and have a starchy texture that helps thicken the casserole. Yukon gold or red potatoes can also work, but might have a slightly different consistency.

• How do I know when the potatoes are cooked properly?

Test potato tenderness by inserting a fork. If it slides in easily without resistance, the potatoes are done. They should be soft but not mushy, with a creamy interior.

• What if I want to make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat ground beef, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup, and low-fat cheese.

Why Beef Casserole with Potatoes Works

• A soul-warming dish packed with rich ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese that hugs your taste buds with classic home-style goodness.
• Requires minimal culinary skills, simple ingredients, and straightforward layering technique that guarantees delicious results even for beginner home cooks.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings where everyone craves a satisfying meal that fills bellies and warms hearts.
• Flexible recipe allowing quick variations like adding different vegetables, trying alternative cheese types, or adjusting seasonings to match personal preferences.

Ingredient List: Beef & Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich protein for the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese, Evaporated Milk, Milk: These ingredients create a creamy, smooth texture and add depth of flavor to the dish.

• Potatoes, Onions: Potatoes offer a comforting, starchy foundation while onions provide a savory and aromatic element.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder: These components blend together to create a rich, well-seasoned sauce that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking to help potatoes cook evenly and retain moisture.

Tools for Beef & Potato Casserole

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and onions with rich, even heat.
• 9×13: Essential for layering and baking the hearty casserole.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for whisking together creamy sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending sauce smoothly without lumps.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice potatoes and dice onions cleanly.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers casserole during initial baking to keep moisture.

How to Make Beef & Potato Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle Beef And Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in ground beef and diced onions.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the beef is completely browned and onions are soft.

Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

• Ground beef
• Onions
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these flavor-packed ingredients.

Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

• Cream of chicken soup
• Evaporated milk
• Regular milk
• Salt
• Pepper
• Onion powder

Step 3: Layer Like A Pro

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil.

Start building your delicious layers like a culinary architect.

• Spread a layer of sliced potatoes
• Add a portion of the cooked beef mixture
• Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese
• Repeat these layers two more times

Step 4: Pour And Cover

Drizzle the creamy sauce evenly over the entire casserole.

Tent the dish with aluminum foil to lock in all those mouthwatering flavors.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 350F.

Let it bake for about an hour, allowing the potatoes to become wonderfully tender.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Remove the foil and sprinkle additional cheese on top.

Return to the oven for a quick 5-minute melt that creates a golden, bubbly crust.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it sit for 15 minutes.

This magical resting time helps the dish set and makes serving a breeze.

Dig in and enjoy your comfort food masterpiece!

Tips for Classic Beef Casserole

• Cut potatoes to the same thickness for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Remove excess grease completely to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing final result.
• Select a sharp cheddar for deeper flavor or mix cheeses like monterey jack for added complexity and richness.
• Poke potatoes with a fork during baking to confirm they're soft and fully cooked before adding final cheese layer.
• Substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat cream of chicken soup to create a healthier version of this classic comfort meal.

Variations for Beef & Potato Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the casserole's hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning to give the casserole a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

What to Serve with Beef & Potato Casserole

• Family Feast Platter: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad and tangy vinaigrette, balancing the rich, creamy potato layers.
• Comfort Side Symphony: Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus to add fresh vegetable brightness and nutritional value to the comforting main dish.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Offer warm crusty bread or garlic toast on the side to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and create a satisfying dining experience.
• Weekend Gathering Star: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and casual weekend meals where everyone can enjoy a generous, filling portion of this classic comfort food.

Storing Beef Casserole with Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, use the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.

Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty ground beef casserole with potatoes delivers comfort on a plate. Layers of savory meat, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef

Starch and Vegetables:

• 4 lbs (1.8 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 onion, diced

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 can (10 ounces / 284 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (12 ounces / 340 ml) evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons onion powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. In a large skillet, sauté ground beef and onions with salt and pepper until meat is completely browned and onions are translucent. Thoroughly drain excess fat to prevent a greasy texture.
3. Create the creamy sauce by whisking cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, seasonings, and onion powder until smooth and well-combined.
4. Grease a 9×13″ baking dish and construct layers strategically: spread a third of sliced potatoes as the base, followed by a third of the seasoned beef mixture, then sprinkle a portion of cheddar cheese. Repeat layering process two more times, ensuring even distribution.
5. Gently pour the prepared sauce over the entire casserole, making sure it seeps between layers and covers the surface evenly. Seal the dish completely with aluminum foil.
6. Bake covered for approximately 1 hour, allowing potatoes to become tender and flavors to meld together.
7. Remove foil, verify potato tenderness, and distribute remaining cheese across the top. Return to oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts completely.
8. After removing from oven, let casserole rest for 15 minutes, which allows the dish to set and enhances overall flavor integration before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that still delivers rich, satisfying flavor.
• Par-boil potatoes briefly before layering to reduce overall cooking time and ensure more consistent potato tenderness throughout the casserole.
• Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier dish without compromising the classic comfort food experience.
• Create a gluten-free variation by substituting regular cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free alternative and checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg