Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the epitome of hearty comfort food—a dish that combines layers of tender sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with warmth and your plate with satisfaction.

Each bite offers a delicious balance of textures and flavors—the softness of potatoes, the savory depth of beef, and the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this casserole is both budget-friendly and soul-soothing.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes simple, everyday ingredients and transforms them into something irresistible. The combination of ground beef and potatoes is timeless, but when you add layers of melted cheese and creamy sauce, it becomes an unforgettable dish.

It’s one of those meals that remind me of cozy family dinners and home-cooked comfort. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to customize with whatever you have in the pantry. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or a make-ahead dinner option.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This casserole is a must-try because it perfectly balances convenience, comfort, and flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to serve guests. Every ingredient works together—the ground beef adds richness, the potatoes provide heartiness, and the cheese sauce ties it all together in creamy perfection.

It’s also versatile; you can change the seasonings or cheese types to match your taste. For anyone who loves classic comfort food, this dish is an instant favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Beef Layer

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

For the Potato Layer

• 5 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef with onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until thickened, then stir in cheddar, mozzarella, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Spread half of the beef mixture on top, then pour half of the cheese sauce over it. Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Preheat the oven and grease your casserole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant. Drain excess fat and season with spices.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking until the sauce thickens. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat once smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the dish. Add half the beef mixture, then pour half the cheese sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and top with extra cheddar cheese. Bake for another 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 6: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

How to Serve

Serve this casserole hot as a hearty main dish. It pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. For a complete meal, add a side of garlic bread or a light soup. It’s great for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy nights in, and leftovers taste even better the next day.

Recipe Tips

• Slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
• You can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery texture.
• Always let the casserole rest before cutting—it helps the layers set.
• Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.

Variations

• Tex-Mex Version: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn to the beef mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese.
• Bacon Lover’s Twist: Add crispy bacon bits between layers or on top before baking.
• Vegetable Casserole: Mix in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini with the beef layer.
• Cream of Soup Shortcut: Substitute the cheese sauce with 1 can of cream of mushroom soup mixed with ½ cup milk for a faster version.
• Cheese Swap: Try gouda, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a richer, more gourmet flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing. Wrap tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Aluminum foil

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
Yes, you can parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before layering to reduce baking time.

Q2: Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work well.

Q3: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour in the cheese sauce or cornstarch as a thickener.

Q4: Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen sliced or hash brown potatoes can be used—no need to thaw.

Q5: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure to drain the beef well and avoid using overly thin cheese sauce.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that never fails to satisfy. With its creamy layers, savory beef filling, and golden cheese topping, it’s a dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers delicious comfort in every bite—simple, hearty, and absolutely irresistible.