Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make and delivers big flavor? This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is everything you want in a cozy weeknight dinner; warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a home cook who believes food doesn’t need to be fancy to be delicious. This casserole is one of those recipes that came together one cold evening when I needed something filling, easy, and comforting for my husband. He took one bite and said, “This tastes like home.” That’s when I knew it had to be shared.
This dish has since become a staple at our dinner table, requested after long days and often devoured before I get a chance to snap a good photo. Now, I’m bringing it to Dailycious Recipes so you can make it part of your family’s table too.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
What makes this casserole so special? It’s all in the layers. Thin-sliced potatoes soak up the rich flavor of seasoned ground beef, and the creamy cheese sauce ties everything together into a golden, bubbling finish.
Quick to Prep, Easy to Bake
You only need one pan and about 20 minutes of prep. Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to unwind or make a side salad. Perfect for busy evenings.
Made With Budget-Friendly Staples
Ground beef, potatoes, onions, milk, and cheese; nothing fancy, just honest ingredients you probably already have. It’s a smart way to stretch your grocery dollar while still making something soul-satisfying.
Customizable for Every Taste
This casserole plays well with so many add-ins, like mushrooms, green beans, or even leftover corn. If you like this recipe, you’ll probably also love our Dorito Casserole with Ground Beef, another budget-friendly family favorite.
Family-Friendly Flavor
No exotic spices or unusual textures here. It’s a flavor profile everyone, from picky toddlers to comfort food-loving adults, can agree on.
Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a classic comfort dish made with seasoned beef, thin-sliced potatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1½ cups milk
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Add seasonings. Drain.
3. Make cheese sauce: melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, and stir until thick. Add cheese.
4. Layer potatoes, beef, and sauce in the dish. Repeat layers. Top with extra cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 more minutes.
6. Let it rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a mandoline for uniform potato slices.
Add cooked veggies like mushrooms or peas for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredients
To make this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
You’ll find these ingredients easy to adapt. For example, swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack gives a slightly milder flavor. For a Mexican-inspired twist on casseroles with similar simple ingredients, don’t forget to check out our Mexican White Trash Casserole.
How to Make It
This casserole is surprisingly simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- 1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with onions and garlic over medium heat. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Once browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat.
- 2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add milk, stirring constantly. Cook until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Season to taste.
- 3. Layer the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the potatoes, then half the beef, and pour over half the cheese sauce. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Top with extra shredded cheese.
- 4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest 10 minutes before serving.
The layering technique in this recipe is also used in our Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole, where seasoned meat meets crispy potatoes for a fast and tasty bake.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few ways to make this dish your own:
Use Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes
These varieties hold up best during baking and become tender without turning mushy.
Add Vegetables for Color and Nutrition
Try layering in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen peas between the potatoes and beef. If you love hidden veggies in comfort food, you’ll also like our Zucchini Casserole.
Make It Spicier
Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or mix in a chopped jalapeño with the beef for a mild kick.
Prep Ahead for Busy Nights
Assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake the next day straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cook time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen potatoes or hash browns instead?
Yes, you can. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry first to avoid extra moisture. Thin-sliced frozen potatoes are a great shortcut.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish also freezes well.
3. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free butter substitute, almond or oat milk, and dairy-free shredded cheese. The result will be slightly different but still delicious.
4. What’s the best way to reheat it without drying it out?
Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. You can also add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s comfort, convenience, and flavor all baked into one dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe delivers. Try pairing it with a simple green salad or roasted garlic green beans for a complete meal.
Once you try it, this cozy classic will likely earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation, just like it did in ours.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
