Quick & Hearty Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

Comfort arrives in a delightful ground beef casserole with potatoes that will warm every corner of your kitchen.

Hearty layers of seasoned meat and tender potato slices create a melody of flavors guaranteed to satisfy deep hunger.

Creamy and rich, this dish promises a straightforward path to a memorable meal.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary.

Crispy edges and soft centers make each bite a delectable experience.

Weeknight dinners just became significantly more delicious with this classic recipe.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this casserole has been a family favorite for generations.

Classic Casserole with Ground Beef and Potatoes

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty one-dish meal that delivers rich, satisfying flavors with minimal kitchen effort.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Perfect for busy families who want a delicious dinner without complicated preparation steps.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients or adding extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Transforms affordable ground beef and basic pantry staples into a filling, crowd-pleasing meal that won't break the bank.

Ingredients for Beef Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.

• Potatoes, Onion, Garlic: These vegetables create a savory foundation and add depth to the dish.

• Paprika, Thyme, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: These spices and seasonings bring warmth and complexity to the ground beef.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: These ingredients create a creamy, smooth sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

• Cheese: Adds a golden, melty topping that provides extra richness.
• Parsley or Chives: Optional garnish that offers a fresh, herbal note.

Stepwise Guide to Beef Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Potatoes

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your potatoes and carefully peel them, then slice into thin, even rounds that will create delicious layers in the casserole.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Warm up olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns a rich brown color.

• Paprika
• Thyme
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to ensure the beef is evenly seasoned.

Step 4: Create Creamy Soup Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until you have a smooth, creamy sauce that will add richness to the casserole.

Step 5: Start Layering the Casserole

• Spread half of the potato slices across the bottom
• Add half of the seasoned beef mixture
• Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the top

Step 6: Complete the Layering

• Remaining potato slices
• Remaining beef mixture
• Remaining soup mixture
• Sprinkle cheese over the top for a golden, melty finish

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

If desired, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!

Tips for Ultimate Ground Beef Casserole

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create thin, even potato slices for consistent cooking and perfect texture.
• Remove additional grease from browned ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner flavor profile.
• Stir in a splash of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cream of mushroom soup for added richness and tanginess.
• Select a sharp cheddar or blend of cheeses to boost the overall flavor and create a more complex taste experience.
• Substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup to create a lighter version of the classic casserole.

Variations for Potato Beef Casserole Fans

• Turkey Transformation: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option, maintaining similar seasoning and cooking technique.
• Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using vegetable broth instead of cream of mushroom soup for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Replace potatoes with cauliflower slices, creating a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the rich, comforting flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and swap cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for those with lactose intolerance.

Serving Beef Potato Casserole Nicely

• Comforting Family Dinner Companion: Serve this hearty casserole alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette for balanced nutrition and fresh contrast.
• Protein Power-Up: Add steamed broccoli or roasted green beans to increase vegetable intake and create a more complete meal with extra nutrients.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Pair with sunny-side-up eggs or a light yogurt parfait for a satisfying weekend breakfast that transforms the casserole into a morning delight.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Offer hot sauce, extra shredded cheese, and sliced green onions as optional toppings for guests to customize their individual servings.

Storing Beef Potato Casserole for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

You can prepare the casserole ahead and freeze it before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

• What can I do if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?

Substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings.

Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 1x

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Description

Comforting ground beef casserole delivers hearty flavors straight from grandma’s kitchen. Layers of seasoned meat, tender potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 5–6 medium potatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley or chives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F and slice potatoes into thin, uniform rounds for even cooking.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors.
3. Brown ground beef in the same skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and seasoning with paprika, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk until creating a smooth, creamy sauce that will bind the casserole layers.
5. Create the first layer in a greased casserole dish by spreading half the potato slices across the bottom, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Distribute half the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the potato layer, followed by pouring half the soup mixture to provide moisture.
7. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture, ensuring each ingredient is distributed consistently.
8. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top to create a golden, melted crust during baking.
9. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and potatoes become tender.
11. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for added color and flavor.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Consider using a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin and consistent potato slices, which helps achieve a more professional and balanced dish.
• Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade cream sauce for a healthier, lower-sodium alternative that adds more depth of flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes and use gluten-free cream soup or a cornstarch-based white sauce.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 to 8
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg