If you’re searching for a soul-warming, family-pleasing meal, look no further than this Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole. It’s a bubbling, cheesy wonder with tender potatoes and savory beef tucked into every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole brings together the best of classic flavors in one easy, hearty dish. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, and it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your comfort food rotation!

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole comes down to simple, no-fuss ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component is essential, from the humble potatoes to the creamy, cheesy topping that makes every bite irresistible.

Ground Beef (1 1/2 pounds): Choose lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and less grease.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and depth that rounds out the savory beef.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings a punch of flavor that ties the whole casserole together.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the casserole a gentle kick.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and a lovely hint of color.
Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Provides an herby note that elevates the dish.
Russet Potatoes (4 large, thinly sliced): Their starchy texture holds up beautifully and soaks up all the flavors.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Creates the creamy base that binds everything together.
Milk (1/2 cup): Helps thin the sauce and makes it extra luscious.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess and makes the casserole ultra-creamy.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts into gooey perfection, forming that irresistible golden top.
Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A fresh, bright garnish that makes the finished dish pop.

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets everything ready for even baking later on. Don’t forget to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this simple step makes cleanup so much easier and keeps all those delicious layers from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Aromatics

Grab your largest skillet and cook the ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat for a lighter casserole, then stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. The kitchen will smell absolutely amazing at this point!

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This creamy blend is the secret to keeping the casserole moist and flavorful throughout.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Now the fun part: layering! Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, then spoon over half of the soup mixture. Sprinkle on 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and finish with the last cup of cheddar.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes. The cheese on top will turn golden and bubbly, while the potatoes become perfectly tender. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.

How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch for Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole. Not only does it add a pop of green, but it also brings a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the dish. For an extra flourish, try a light dusting of paprika or even some sliced green onions on top.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli. The freshness and crunch of veggies are the perfect counterparts to the creamy, cheesy layers of beef and potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving for a special occasion, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for a fun twist. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a few extra shreds of cheddar for that wow factor. For a rustic look, serve right from the baking dish at the table and let everyone dig in family-style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole stores beautifully. Simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—making it perfect for easy lunches or another cozy dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover the portion and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the creamy layers.

FAQs

Can I substitute another type Main Course

Absolutely! Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work just as well in this Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole, and each gives its own unique flavor profile.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Peeled potatoes provide a softer texture, but you can leave the skins on for extra fiber and a rustic look. Just make sure to scrub them well before slicing.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

Is it possible to add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely. Feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even frozen peas with the beef mixture for added color, flavor, and nutrition.

What type of cheddar cheese is best?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives the casserole a bold flavor, but mild or medium cheddar also work well. For extra cheesiness, use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something hearty, delicious, and sure to please everyone at the table, you simply have to give this Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole a try. It’s a true classic that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Happy cooking!

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced russet potatoes, and creamy mushroom soup, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines rich flavors with a satisfying texture, baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Mixture

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Potatoes

4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced

Sauce

1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream

Topping

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Season Beef: Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme to the beef mixture, stirring well to combine all the flavors evenly.
Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth and fully combined, creating a creamy sauce.
Layer Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly. Then spread half of the seasoned beef mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the creamy soup mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, soup mixture, and finish with the last cup of cheddar cheese.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through evenly while keeping moisture in.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly on top.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the casserole before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for different flavor variations.
For extra flavor and texture, add sautéed mushrooms or diced green bell peppers to the beef mixture.
Thinly slicing the potatoes helps them cook evenly within the baking time.
Let the casserole rest briefly after baking to set before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American