If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and comforting meal that feels like home with every bite, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is exactly the recipe you need. Packed with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and creamy melted cheese, this casserole is a family-favorite dish that delivers big flavor with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
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This article includes a detailed step-by-step guide, cooking tips, serving variations, and SEO-friendly structure to help your content rank higher. Get ready for one of the coziest baked dishes you’ll ever make!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole
This casserole checks all the boxes for the perfect comfort meal:
✔ Creamy
✔ Cheesy
✔ Savory
✔ Filling
✔ Easy to prepare
The combination of ground beef, onions, and tender potatoes forms a rich, satisfying base, while the melted cheese on top creates a golden, irresistible finish. This dish is ideal for cold evenings, family dinners, meal prep, and potluck gatherings.
It also ranks well for popular food-search keywords such as “ground beef potato casserole,” “easy family dinner recipes,” and “cheesy beef bake,” making it a valuable addition to any recipe site.
Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
For the Meat Mixture
1 kg (2.2 lbs) ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
1 cup beef broth
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Casserole Layers
4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (about 3 mm thick)
1½–2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for topping
Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make the Best Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole
- Prepare the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
Now, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
Season with smoked paprika, thyme or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The seasoning gives the beef a deep, savory aroma that complements the potatoes and creamy sauce perfectly.
Once the beef mixture is ready, set it aside.
- Make the Creamy White Sauce
This sauce is the heart of the casserole—it binds everything together and creates the creamy texture seen in the dish.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the beef broth and continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce. You now have a silky, flavorful cream sauce that will coat the potatoes beautifully.
- Slice the Potatoes
Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly (about ⅛ inch or 3 mm thick).
Thin slices ensure even cooking and a soft, tender texture. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for perfect slices.
- Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a baking dish with butter or oil. Start assembling the casserole in layers:
- Layer 1 – Potatoes: Arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer 2 – Beef: Add a generous layer of the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Layer 3 – Sauce: Pour some creamy sauce evenly over the beef.
Repeat these layers until you reach the top. Finish with a final layer of potatoes and pour the remaining sauce over the top to help everything bake evenly.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the casserole.
- Bake Until Golden
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and the sauce to soak through the layers.
After one hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese becomes golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Tips for a Perfect Beef & Potato Casserole
✔ Slice the potatoes evenly
Uneven slices may leave some pieces undercooked. A mandoline ensures perfect thickness.
✔ Add extra cheese
If you want a richer, more indulgent dish, add a layer of cheese between the beef and potatoes.
✔ Try different cheeses
Cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend all work beautifully.
✔ Season well
Potatoes absorb flavor, so seasoning the beef and sauce properly ensures the casserole is never bland.
✔ Let it rest before serving
Just like lasagna, resting helps everything firm up for perfect slices.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is satisfying enough to serve on its own, but pairing it with simple side dishes makes the meal complete. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Steamed broccoli or green beans
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Roasted vegetables like carrots or zucchini
Coleslaw for a refreshing contrast
It also reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or next-day leftovers.
Variations to Try
- Add veggies
Mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, corn, or spinach add flavor and nutrition.
- Swap the protein
Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even sliced sausage.
- Make it spicy
Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese.
- Add a crunchy topping
Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with butter give an extra crispy finish.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator:
Keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer:
Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating:
Warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for best texture.
Microwaving works but may soften the potatoes too much.