There’s something about a Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole that feels like a warm hug after a long day. If you’re juggling work, kids, pets, or just trying to survive the midweek madness, this hearty dish is here to be your dinnertime hero. It’s comforting, simple, and packed with flavor—like something your grandma would’ve made, but with a little less fuss (and fewer dishes!).
This is one of those Meals To Make With Ground Beef that never disappoints, and trust me, once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- It’s pure comfort food, layered with crispy-edged potatoes, savory beef, and gooey cheddar.
- Perfect for busy nights—it’s easy to prep, mostly hands-off, and makes great leftovers.
- Kid-approved and picky-eater-friendly. No weird veggies or fancy ingredients.
- It’s one of those Beef Recipes Easy Dinners fans will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Thinly sliced, peeled potatoes – the crispy, golden base of this dish
- Butter, melted – adds richness and helps those potato edges get delightfully crispy
- Salt – brings out all the natural flavors
- Ground beef – the hearty, protein-packed star of this casserole
- Cream of mushroom soup – makes it creamy, savory, and a little nostalgic
- Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded – because more cheese = more joy
- Milk – thins the sauce a bit for a perfect creamy texture
- Salt and black pepper – for that just-right balance
For exact amounts, scroll to the recipe card below.
How to Make It
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 400°F and grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Give it a quick spray with nonstick spray so nothing sticks.
- Potato Layer: Toss your sliced potatoes in melted butter and a little salt. Layer them across the bottom and up the sides of your casserole dish, overlapping slightly like you’re building a potato quilt.
- Bake the Potatoes: Pop the dish in the oven and bake until the potatoes are just fork-tender—this takes about 20 to 30 minutes. While they bake, get your beef going.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook your ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain off the grease (you don’t need it making your casserole greasy).
- Make the Filling: Stir the beef together with the cream of mushroom soup, half the cheese, and milk. Season it with salt and pepper. It should look creamy and smell amazing.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour that beefy goodness over the baked potatoes. Slide the dish back into the oven for about 15 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbly.
- Final Cheese Hit: Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, then bake for another 4–5 minutes until it’s perfectly melted and just begging to be scooped.
Tips for Success
- Slice your potatoes evenly—aim for about 1/8-inch thick. A mandoline slicer works wonders if you’ve got one.
- Want to lighten it up? Use lean beef and a low-sodium or “Healthy Ground Beef” version of the mushroom soup.
- Leftovers? Just pop ‘em in the microwave the next day—they reheat beautifully.
A Little Nova Backstory
This casserole started as a Sunday supper trial run that quickly turned into my go-to for weeknights. My husband calls it “Texas lasagna,” and even our pickier dog gets jealous of the smell wafting through the kitchen. I’ve taught this one in my beginner classes more times than I can count—and it’s always a hit.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely. Cream of chicken works too, or you can make a quick homemade white sauce if you’re feeling fancy.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge—just add about 10 more minutes to the bake time.
Is this a good Dinner With Ground Beef for picky eaters?
Absolutely. Between the beef, cheese, and potatoes, it’s hard for anyone to say no.
Whether you’re craving old-school comfort or looking for Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner that check every box (quick, cheesy, filling), this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole has you covered. I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.
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Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole: The Cozy Classic Your Weeknight Needs
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dinner perfect for busy nights. With layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheddar, this one-pan wonder is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
3 cups thinly sliced, peeled potatoes
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound ground beef
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup milk
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well coated.
3. Layer the potatoes across the bottom and up the sides of the prepared dish, overlapping slightly.
4. Bake the potatoes in the oven for 20–30 minutes, or until fork-tender.
5. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Remove the casserole dish from the oven and pour the beef mixture over the baked potatoes.
8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until heated through.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of Cheddar cheese over the top and bake for an additional 4–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Make sure your potato slices are evenly cut for even cooking.
For a lighter version, use lean ground beef and low-fat cheese.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, Meals To Make With Ground Beef, Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner, Beef Recipes Easy Dinners, Ground Beef and Potatoes, Beef Potato Casserole