If you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that feels like a big comforting hug, this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes and savory ground beef smothered in a creamy, flavorful sauce, all topped with bubbly melted cheddar cheese. This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner or a friendly gathering centerpiece, combining simple pantry staples into a satisfying casserole that’s bursting with homestyle goodness. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will quickly climb to the top of your family’s favorite meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color. These simple components come together effortlessly to build layers of flavor and creaminess, making this casserole both wholesome and irresistible.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that adds savory richness and satisfying heartiness to the dish.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Choose Yukon Gold for creaminess or russets for fluffier texture; they provide the perfect soft base.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A flavor booster that enhances the savory notes in the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
- 1 cup milk: Creates the creamy sauce that binds everything together smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps brown the top for a golden finish.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce into a luscious consistency without clumps.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a warm, smoky undertone that wakes up the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Contributes an earthy, herbal note that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Boosts flavor and brings moisture to the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish when garnished.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s fully browned and crumbly. This step is key because it builds the deep, savory flavor base for the entire casserole. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy while still preserving that juicy meatiness.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add diced onion and minced garlic directly into the skillet with the beef. Sauté everything together until the onions become translucent and tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. This soft aromatics blend beautifully into the beef, creating a mouthwatering foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and cook for a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Then slowly whisk in the milk and beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce thicken gently until it’s smooth and creamy. Season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme — these spices elevate the flavor and add warmth and complexity.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spread the ground beef mixture over the potatoes evenly. Then top with the rest of the potato slices, ensuring an even layer to cook through properly. Pour any remaining creamy sauce over the top, allowing those layers to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Add Butter and Bake Covered
Dot the butter over the assembled casserole to create little pockets of golden richness as it bakes. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture, and bake in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and the flavors to marry.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top, and return the casserole to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown. This cheesy crown is what takes the Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe from delicious to downright drool-worthy.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes to settle and cool slightly before serving. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if you like, which adds a touch of vibrant color and freshness to the warm, hearty dish.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or even some sliced green onions brighten the casserole presentation and add a pop of freshness that balances the rich, creamy layers. A dollop of sour cream on the side brings an additional tangy creaminess that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole alongside crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, cheesy texture. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also complement the meal perfectly for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, personal touch at dinner parties. You could also switch up the cheese topping with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a different cheesy flavor profile. For extra color and nutrition, sprinkle diced bell peppers or peas within the layers before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any uneaten casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors continue developing after sitting overnight, making leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe freezes well! Assemble the casserole but do not bake it, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed until fully cooked.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. This helps maintain the casserole’s texture and avoid sogginess. You can also microwave individual servings, but keep the cheese texture in mind.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor and melt differently.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a gluten-free blend. This ensures the creamy sauce thickens perfectly without gluten.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Adding peas, diced carrots, or even mushrooms can boost nutrition and add interesting textures. Just sauté them along with the onions before combining with the beef for best results.
What type of potatoes works best?
Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamier feel and hold their shape nicely; russets make a fluffier bite but may break down more. Either works depending on your texture preference.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Ensuring you drain excess fat from the beef and cooking the sauce until thickened helps maintain a creamy but not watery consistency. Also, peeling and slicing potatoes thinly promotes even cooking and absorption of flavors.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a cozy friend on a plate. The layers of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and cheesy goodness come together so beautifully that each bite feels like a little celebration. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with loved ones, this casserole is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.
Print
Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of thinly sliced potatoes and flavorful ground beef cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this baked casserole brings together classic American flavors with a tender potato base and melted cheddar cheese topping, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Potatoes and Cheese
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté until fragrant and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Create Sauce Base: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and help thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Season: Slowly pour in the milk and beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to thicken into a creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
- Layer Potatoes and Beef Mixture: In a greased baking dish, arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes, then layer the remaining potato slices on top. Pour any remaining creamy sauce over the layers.
- Top and Cover: Dot the top of the casserole with butter and cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes with the foil on to allow the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the potatoes are tender.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired to add a fresh, herbal note.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add a dollop of sour cream to the sauce before layering the casserole.
- You can include vegetables such as peas or diced carrots for added nutrition and color.
- Using Yukon Gold potatoes will yield a creamier texture, while russets provide a fluffier bite.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time on busy days.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
