Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

Hearty Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

Comfort comes alive in this hearty ground beef casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Layers of tender potatoes mingle with seasoned meat in a dish that feels like a warm hug.

Families gather around steaming plates, eager to savor each delectable bite.

Crispy edges and creamy centers create a magical contrast you’ll absolutely love.

Simple ingredients dance together, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this irresistible recipe that feeds hungry souls.

Grab a fork and get ready to become the kitchen hero everyone adores.

Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Worth Sharing

  • Comfort Food Champion: This chicken and dumpling casserole wraps you in pure, homey warmth with its creamy texture and hearty chicken base that reminds you of grandmother's cooking.
  • Simple Skill Builder: Perfect for home cooks at any level, the recipe requires basic mixing and whisking skills, making it an excellent dish for beginners wanting to expand their culinary repertoire.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation mean you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with multiple dirty dishes.
  • Family Meal Magic: Guaranteed to please both kids and adults, this casserole offers a crowd-pleasing combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy dumplings that everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed For Beef Potato Casserole

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty base that provides the main protein for the casserole.
For the Starch:
  • Potatoes: Sliced potatoes that create a comforting and filling layer in the casserole.
For the Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Butter, Flour: Create a classic roux that thickens the sauce and adds richness.
  • Milk, Beef Broth: Provide the liquid base for a creamy and savory sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
For the Topping and Garnish:
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds a melty, golden crust that makes the casserole extra delicious.
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings a touch of color and fresh herb flavor to the finished dish.
For the Optional Vegetables:
  • Mixed Vegetables: Can be added to increase nutrition and add extra flavor to the casserole.

How To Make Beef Potato Casserole Easily

How To Make Beef Potato Casserole Easily

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a delicious comfort meal.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Toss ground beef into a skillet over medium heat.

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color. Drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Create A Creamy Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter until it’s silky smooth. Whisk in flour to create a magical roux.

Slowly pour in milk and beef broth, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes velvety and uniform.

Step 4: Season The Sauce

Sprinkle in:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Let the sauce simmer and thicken, developing deep, comforting flavors.

Step 5: Layer The Casserole

Grab a greased baking dish and create delicious layers:
  • Sliced potatoes
  • Browned ground beef
  • Optional vegetables like carrots or peas

Pour the luscious sauce over the layers, ensuring every inch is covered.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty crown.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese turns gloriously golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this ultimate comfort dish!

Tips For The Best Beef Potato Casserole

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.
  • Pat potatoes dry before slicing to ensure they crisp up nicely and prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
  • Use low-sodium broth and cheese to control salt intake for those watching their sodium levels.
  • For extra nutrition, mix in diced carrots, peas, or spinach between beef and potato layers to boost vegetable content.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier without falling apart.

Fun Twists For Beef Potato Casserole

  • Southwestern Beef Blast: Replace paprika with chili powder, add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.
  • Mediterranean Herb Haven: Incorporate oregano, rosemary, and thyme into the sauce, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and mix in chopped spinach and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Ranch Style Comfort: Stir ranch seasoning mix into the sauce, include diced bacon bits, top with ranch-flavored cheese, and garnish with green onions for a hearty ranch-themed casserole.

Sides To Serve With Beef Potato Casserole

  • Hearty Family Dinner Centerpiece: Create a warm, inviting meal that brings everyone together around the table. Serve alongside a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Potluck Party Favorite: Transport this casserole in a covered dish for gatherings. It travels well and feeds a crowd with minimal fuss. Top with extra cheese just before serving to impress fellow guests.
  • Comfort Food Makeover: Elevate the classic casserole by adding roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor. Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary on top for a gourmet touch.

Storing Beef Potato Casserole The Smart Way

  • Transfer leftover casserole into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cooled casserole securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in preheated oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent cheese from burning. Alternatively, use microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

  • Is this casserole healthy?

While tasty, it’s a hearty dish high in calories and fat. Consider using lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and adding more vegetables to boost nutritional value.

  • Can I use frozen potatoes?

Fresh sliced potatoes work best for texture and flavor. Frozen potatoes might become mushy and release excess water, affecting the casserole’s consistency.

  • What type of cheese works well?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or monterey jack are excellent choices. Sharp cheddar provides more flavor, while mozzarella offers a creamy melting texture.

  • How do I prevent potatoes from sticking?

Grease the casserole dish thoroughly and consider using a non-stick baking pan. Arrange potato slices evenly and ensure they’re covered with sauce to prevent burning.

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Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty ground beef casserole with potatoes brings comfort to dinner tables across North America. Layers of seasoned meat, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you can savor with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 45 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or cheese blend)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even heating environment for the casserole.
  2. Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until completely browned and no pink remains. Drain off excess fat thoroughly.
  3. Create a smooth sauce base by melting butter in a separate pan, then incorporating flour to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk and beef broth while continuously whisking to prevent lumps.
  4. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika, allowing it to simmer and thicken to a creamy consistency.
  5. Arrange a foundational layer of thinly sliced potatoes in a greased casserole dish, followed by an even distribution of the cooked ground beef and optional vegetables.
  6. Gently pour the prepared sauce over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and moisture throughout the dish.
  7. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese across the top, which will melt and create a golden, crispy surface during baking.
  8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until potatoes become fork-tender and the cheese turns golden and bubbling.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, diet-friendly alternative that still delivers satisfying taste.
  • Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 365 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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