Ground Beef and Potato Casserole (The Ultimate Comfort Food)

Get ready to discover your new family favorite! This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, layering savory, perfectly seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Forget complicated recipes; this dish is designed for busy weeknights but tastes special enough for a Sunday dinner. If you’re always on the lookout for delicious and easy dinner ideas, this casserole will be a welcome addition to your rotation.

Why This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a Weeknight Winner

This isn’t just another hamburger potato casserole; it’s a recipe perfected for incredible flavor and foolproof results. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and wholesome potatoes, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest appetites.
• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already. No fancy shopping trips required!
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of savory beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese is a classic for a reason. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready for a stress-free dinner.

The Key Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish comes from simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. We’re even making a simple from-scratch cream sauce to elevate the flavor beyond the canned soup version.

For the Hearty Filling

• Lean Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs of 90/10 or 85/15 ground beef provides the best flavor without being overly greasy.
• Potatoes: 2.5 lbs of Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick). Yukon Golds hold their shape beautifully.
• Yellow Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation of any good casserole.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep, savory, umami flavor that complements the beef perfectly.

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Butter & Flour: These create a simple roux to thicken our sauce.
• Milk & Beef Broth: The liquid base for our creamy sauce. Using both adds richness and depth.
• Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded varieties.

How to Make This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Making this beef and potato bake is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Peel and thinly slice your potatoes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Shred your cheddar cheese.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Cream Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth until smooth. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
4. Cheese it Up: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Add the browned beef mixture to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Place half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef and sauce mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
6. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Want to guarantee a flawless Ground Beef and Potato Casserole every single time? Follow these simple tips from a seasoned pro.

• Slice Potatoes Thinly: The key to perfectly cooked potatoes is slicing them thin and uniformly. A mandoline slicer is a fantastic tool for this.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated in starches that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best gooey, creamy texture, always buy a block and shred it yourself.
• Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the casserole for the first part of baking is crucial. It traps steam and ensures the potatoes cook through evenly without the top burning.
• Let it Rest: After taking the casserole out of the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up, making it much easier to slice and serve.

Fun Variations and Substitutions

While this classic recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to mix things up!

• Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen corn, peas, or green beans with the beef mixture for an extra nutritional boost.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a can of diced green chiles to the sauce for a little heat. For another spicy casserole idea, check out our Chicken Fajita Casserole.
• Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for a blend of Monterey Jack, Colby, or even some Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
• Cream of Soup Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can substitute the homemade sauce with two cans (10.5 oz each) of condensed cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup mixed with 1/2 cup of milk.

What to Serve with Your Casserole

This cheesy ground beef casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.

• A Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully.
• Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or asparagus are all fantastic choices.
• Dinner Rolls: Perfect for sopping up any extra creamy sauce on your plate. These Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls are a perfect match.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores. Here’s how to handle leftovers or prepare it in advance.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time. For freezing, it’s best to freeze the casserole after baking and cooling completely. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

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Ground Beef and Potato Casserole (The Ultimate Comfort Food)

A hearty and delicious Ground Beef and Potato Casserole featuring tender sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy, homemade cheese sauce. The perfect comfort food dinner for any night of the week!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Casserole

• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
• 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Large Skillet
• 1 Saucepan

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until beef is browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and beef broth until smooth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
4. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until cheese is melted. Add the cooked beef mixture to the sauce and stir to combine.
5. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Top with half of the beef/sauce mixture. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese, and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden.
7. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 30gFat: 35gFiber: 3g

Notes

Tip 1: Use a mandoline for evenly sliced potatoes to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Tip 2: Shred your own cheese for the creamiest, smoothest sauce.
Tip 3: Let the casserole rest before cutting into it. This helps it set and makes for cleaner slices.

Keyword beef and potato bake,ground beef and potato casserole,hamburger potato casserole

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I hope your family loves this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole as much as mine does! It’s a true comfort food classic that’s perfect for any occasion. If you make it, I’d love to see! Please leave a comment below or share a photo of your masterpiece on Pinterest. Your feedback helps me and other readers!