Homemade Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

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Golden, bubbling, and layered with hearty goodness, this Homemade Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style. It’s a soul-satisfying dish that brings together tender slices of potatoes, rich and savory ground beef, and gooey layers of melted cheese. Every bite delivers warmth and depth, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just when you’re craving something that tastes like home.

What makes this casserole stand out is its beautiful balance of textures and flavors—soft, creamy potatoes meet a deeply seasoned beef filling and get crowned with melted cheddar that forms a lightly crisped top. It’s simple yet so indulgent, and best of all, it’s a one-dish wonder that takes the stress out of cooking while delivering maximum flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

• It’s incredibly hearty and satisfying.
• Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples.
• Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
• Easy to customize with veggies or different cheeses.
• A true comfort food classic that pleases both kids and adults.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this casserole with ease, a few essential tools will make your kitchen time smoother:

• Mandoline or Sharp Knife: For thin, uniform slices of potatoes which cook evenly and create beautiful layering.
• Large Skillet: Needed for browning the ground beef and sautéing aromatics—critical for building flavor.
• Mixing Bowls: Useful for combining cheese and other ingredients before layering.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The ideal size for baking this casserole evenly and holding all the layers without overflow.
• Foil: Helps trap moisture during the initial baking phase so the potatoes become tender.

Each tool plays a vital role in keeping prep simple and the final dish well-cooked and delicious.

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Preparation Tips

Start by selecting starchy or all-purpose potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds—they hold their shape and become tender without turning mushy. Be sure to slice them thinly and evenly for even cooking. Brown the ground beef thoroughly to bring out its savory flavor, and season it well to prevent blandness. When layering the dish, make sure to overlap the potato slices slightly and spread the beef mixture evenly for a balanced bite in every forkful. Cover with foil during the first phase of baking to steam the potatoes, then remove it to let the cheese brown beautifully on top. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets up perfectly.

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Ingredients for this Homemade Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

• 1.5 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 for flavor)
• 6 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (for added richness)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice them into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Place them in a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch while you prepare the other ingredients. Drain and pat dry before assembling.

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Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

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Step 3: Make the Simple Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer one-third of the potato slices on the bottom of the dish. Top with half the cooked beef mixture and a ladle of cheese sauce. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, remaining beef, and more sauce. Finish with a final layer of potatoes, remaining sauce, and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.

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Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.

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Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve clean portions. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm as a main dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables.

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Notes

This casserole is versatile and forgiving. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try mixing in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms with the beef, or using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Gruyère for extra depth. For a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne or mix in some diced jalapeños. The dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking, making it a time-saver for busy evenings or entertaining.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Slicing potatoes too thick: Thick slices may remain undercooked even after an hour in the oven. Aim for 1/8-inch slices for best results.
• Skipping the cheese sauce: It may seem like an extra step, but the sauce ties the layers together and prevents the casserole from drying out.
• Under-seasoning the beef: Since the potatoes are mild in flavor, well-seasoned meat is key to a flavorful dish.
• Not letting it rest: Slicing into the casserole immediately can result in a runny, messy plate. Allow it to set for at least 10 minutes before serving.

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Storage Instructions

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape and cook evenly.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely. Just be sure to add a bit more seasoning since they are leaner and milder in flavor.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce.

What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even steamed broccoli.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes! Let the casserole cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat this dish?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil, or microwave individual portions for quick reheating.

Can I add vegetables to the layers?

Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini make excellent additions.

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Conclusion

Homemade Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal that brings together humble ingredients in the most delicious way. Its creamy, cheesy, beefy layers are both filling and nostalgic—perfect for a family dinner, leftovers for lunch, or prepping ahead for the week. Easy to customize, make, and love, it’s a classic casserole you’ll return to again and again.

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