1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Beef Potato Casserole

Cheesy Meat Potato Bake

Craving comfort food? This casserole layers seasoned ground beef and sliced potatoes, all topped with melted cheese. It's simple to make and perfect for feeding the whole family.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:29:33 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A close-up of a cheesy potato and ground beef casserole garnished with fresh thyme in a white baking dish. Pin it
A close-up of a cheesy potato and ground beef casserole garnished with fresh thyme in a white baking dish. | zestplate.com

My easy ground beef and potato casserole recipe is pure comfort food magic! This homemade ground beef and potato casserole layers seasoned meat, tender potatoes, and lots of cheese in the most amazing gravy. Once you try this easy beef and potato casserole, it'll become your go-to dinner recipe.

Why Everyone Loves This

This homemade ground beef and potato casserole is a lifesaver on busy nights. My easy beef and potato casserole uses simple ingredients you probably have right now. The best part about this ground beef and potato casserole recipe? You can prep it ahead and just pop it in the oven when you're ready!

What You'll Need

  • Potatoes: Russets work best in this easy ground beef and potato casserole.
  • Ground Beef: The star of our homemade beef and potato casserole.
  • Seasonings: Makes this ground beef and potato casserole recipe sing.
  • Gravy Stuff: Creates that creamy sauce.
  • Cheese: Lots of it for that golden top!

Let's Get Cooking

Start With The Spuds
For the best easy ground beef and potato casserole, slice those potatoes nice and thin - they'll cook more evenly that way. A sharp knife works great here.
Brown That Beef
Here's where our homemade ground beef and potato casserole gets its flavor! Cook the meat with onions and garlic until it's nicely browned. The secret to my ground beef and potato casserole recipe? Add those seasonings while the meat cooks.
Build Those Layers
Now for the fun part of our easy beef and potato casserole! Layer half your potatoes, top with seasoned meat, then repeat. Each layer makes it more delicious.
Oven Time
Cover your homemade ground beef and potato casserole with foil and let it bake until those potatoes are tender. Then comes the best part - that melty cheese on top!

Make It Your Own

Want to switch up your easy ground beef and potato casserole? Try tossing in some peas or carrots. My family loves when I add corn to this homemade beef and potato casserole. Sometimes I spice up my ground beef and potato casserole recipe with different cheeses or a dash of hot sauce.

Plan Ahead

What makes this easy ground beef and potato casserole even better? You can make it ahead! Prep your homemade beef and potato casserole up to two days early, or freeze it for later. This ground beef and potato casserole recipe reheats beautifully - perfect for busy weeknights.

Serve It Up Right

My easy ground beef and potato casserole tastes amazing with a crisp salad on the side. This homemade beef and potato casserole is filling enough on its own, but we love soaking up that gravy with warm bread. Trust me, this ground beef and potato casserole recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!

A fork lifts a portion of cheesy, loaded ground beef and potato casserole, garnished with parsley. Pin it
A fork lifts a portion of cheesy, loaded ground beef and potato casserole, garnished with parsley. | zestplate.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need to arrange the ingredients in layers?

Layering helps ensure even cooking and lets each bite have both potatoes and meat for the best flavor combination.

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add extra cooking time if baking from cold.

→ Why should I let it rest after baking?

Resting for 10-15 minutes lets the sauce thicken and flavors blend together better. Plus, it won't burn your tongue!

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great. You might want to add extra seasonings since turkey is leaner than beef.

→ Why undercook the meat slightly before baking?

The meat continues cooking in the oven. If fully cooked beforehand, it might become too dry during baking.

Beef Potato Casserole

Layers of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes topped with melted cheese. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced.
02 2 tablespoons butter or cooking oil.
03 1 onion, diced.
04 2 cloves garlic, minced.
05 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced.
06 1 pound ground beef.
07 1 teaspoon salt.
08 1 teaspoon bouillon powder.
09 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
10 1 teaspoon paprika.
11 1 teaspoon oregano.
12 2 tablespoons flour.
13 1 cup beef broth.
14 1/2 cup milk.
15 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
16 Fresh parsley, chopped (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Peel and slice potatoes thinly, trying to keep thickness even.

Step 03

Melt butter in large skillet, cook onion, garlic and thyme until soft.

Step 04

Add beef and cook until just browned, breaking into crumbles.

Step 05

Season with salt, pepper, bouillon, oregano and paprika.

Step 06

Drain extra fat, add flour and cook 1 minute.

Step 07

Slowly stir in broth and milk until sauce thickens.

Step 08

Grease baking dish, layer half the potatoes and half the beef.

Step 09

Repeat layers with remaining potatoes and beef.

Step 10

Cover with foil, bake 45 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 11

Uncover, add cheese on top, bake 10-15 minutes until bubbly.

Step 12

Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Broil briefly for crispy top.
  2. Wait to add cheese until end.
  3. Don't overcook beef before baking.
  4. Let rest to thicken sauce.
  5. Can prepare ahead and bake later.
  6. Great for family dinners.
  7. Freezes well.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Baking dish.
  • Foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk, cheese).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 503
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43 g
  • Protein: 24 g