Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a hearty, cozy dish built for real family comfort. This recipe blends savory ground beef with tender potatoes, turning simple pantry ingredients into a warm and satisfying dinner. You will learn how to create rich layers, balance flavors, and customize textures so the casserole always turns out perfect. This dish also fits beautifully into comfort food ground beef, ground beef recipes and potatoes, what to make with ground beef and potato, dinner ideas with burger ground beef, hot dish with ground beef, food ground beef, mashed potato and ground beef recipes, and ground beef comfort food.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
The story behind the recipe
Hi, I’m Barbara Anderson, the creator behind KoyaRecipes.com. Here I share easy, flavorful meals that make home cooking joyful and stress-free. My love for food began in my grandmother’s warm kitchen, where I learned family traditions, cooked with intuition, and discovered the power of feeding the people you love. Today, as a busy mom, those memories shape the recipes I create. Our kitchen is the heart of our home, filled with laughter, tasting spoons, and simple recipes that bring everyone together. This casserole comes straight from that spirit of comfort and simplicity.
Key reasons this recipe stands out
It is deeply comforting with its soft potatoes and savory beef.
It belongs to the best of ground beef recipes and potatoes for busy nights.
It solves the classic question of what to make with ground beef and potato.
It works wonderfully for dinner ideas with burger ground beef.
It is a classic, satisfying hot dish with ground beef.
It uses simple food ground beef ingredients that stretch easily.
It can transform into mashed potato and ground beef recipes when desired.
It is the definition of ground beef comfort food.
Ingredients
Ingredient list with tips and substitutions
Ground beef, about one pound. Use 80/20 for more flavor or lean beef for lighter results.
Potatoes, about three cups sliced or two pounds diced. Russet or Yukon Gold work best.
Diced onion, about half a cup.
Two garlic cloves, minced.
Seasonings such as salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
One cup of beef broth or one can of cream soup mixed with milk.
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Butter or oil for the casserole dish.
Ingredient notes and helpful advice
Slice potatoes evenly so they bake consistently.
Frozen diced potatoes work for a budget-friendly food ground beef option.
Lean beef may need extra broth or butter.
Cream soups can be used for quick and easy sauces.
For a mashed potato and ground beef recipe variation, replace sliced potatoes with mashed potatoes and spread them on top before baking.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a rectangular baking dish.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, and seasonings. Drain excess fat if needed.
Slice or dice the potatoes. Arrange half of them on the bottom of the baking dish. Spread the cooked beef mixture over them. Add broth or soup mixture. Add the remaining potatoes on top.
Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes, until potatoes soften. Remove foil, top with cheese, and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until bubbling.
Let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving.
Variations and flavor adjustments
Add peas, carrots, or bell peppers for more vegetables.
Use cream soup for a true hot dish with ground beef experience.
Swap sliced potatoes for mashed potatoes for a shepherd’s pie style version.
Add chili powder for a spicy kick.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
Serving suggestions and pairings
Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or green beans.
Add garlic bread for a more filling meal.
Light red wine or citrus water pairs well.
How to make your plate look beautiful
Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top.
Cut a clean square so the layered beef and potato center shows.
Use a light-colored plate to highlight the golden cheese topping.
How to Perfect Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
Expert tips for success
Brown beef fully to develop flavor.
Keep potato slices consistent in thickness.
Drain excess grease for a cleaner dish.
Cover while baking to soften potatoes; uncover to brown cheese.
Let it rest before serving so the layers set.
Troubleshooting
If potatoes stay firm, bake longer or slice thinner next time.
If cheese does not melt well, use freshly shredded cheese.
If casserole seems watery, reduce liquid or bake uncovered longer.
If edges cook faster than center, rotate the dish while baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Typical errors
Not browning the beef enough.
Cutting potatoes unevenly.
Using too much liquid.
Overfilling the dish.
How to prevent them
Brown beef thoroughly.
Use a mandoline or careful slicing for uniform potatoes.
Measure broth or soup carefully.
Use the correct baking dish size.
Storage and Reheating
Storing leftovers
Refrigerate tightly covered for three to four days.
Freeze up to three months after full cooling.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for about twenty minutes.
Microwave single servings and crisp in the oven if desired.
Thaw frozen portions overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well, though it tastes lighter. Add extra seasoning or broth to boost flavor.
What potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes give the best texture and flavor because they soften evenly while holding shape.
How do I make a mashed potato version?
Spread cooked ground beef in the dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until lightly golden.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add a few extra minutes to bake time if chilled.
Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a deeply comforting dish that fits beautifully into ground beef comfort food cooking. Whether you want quick ground beef recipes and potatoes or need ideas for what to make with ground beef and potato, this casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and ease. Try it this week and enjoy a family favorite that never disappoints.
Print
Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole made with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, sour cream, and melty cheddar cheese—an easy, gluten-free family favorite.
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Dairy & Cheese:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup sour cream
Liquids & Oils:
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and dice potatoes into small cubes. Chop onion and mince garlic.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook until browned.
5. Stir in beef broth and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture with diced potatoes. Fold in sour cream and half of the cheddar cheese.
7. Spread the mixture evenly into a baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Review ingredients for allergens if needed and seek professional advice if uncertain.
Nutritional values vary and should be used only as a general guideline.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
