Description
Looking for an easy, comforting dinner idea that’s budget-friendly and family-approved? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole layers thinly sliced potatoes with savory seasoned ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce, and a bubbly golden topping of cheddar. It’s the ultimate one-pan meal that works for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or when you need a meal that reheats like a dream. Packed with flavor and texture, this dish fits right into your rotation of quick dinners, easy recipes, hearty casseroles, and food ideas the whole family will ask for again. Whether you’re after dinner ideas, simple make-ahead meals, or comfort food with a twist, this cheesy casserole is always a win.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
4 cups thinly sliced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of cheddar soup (or cream of mushroom)
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Wash and slice the potatoes into ⅛-inch thick rounds.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain excess fat.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of cheddar soup and milk until smooth.
5. Layer half of the potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half the beef mixture, half the soup mixture, and a layer of shredded cheese.
6. Repeat the layers: potatoes, beef, soup mixture, cheese.
7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
10. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
For even cooking, slice your potatoes no thicker than ⅛ inch.
Shred your own cheese for the best melting texture—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the layers hold together when sliced.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: casserole, ground beef, potato casserole, cheesy, comfort food, easy dinner, family recipe, one-dish meal