This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food layered with tender potatoes, savory beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. One pan, all the flavor, zero fuss!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced thinly
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Add half the beef, then half the soup mixture. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, top with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes or until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Variation
- Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers between the potatoes and beef for extra veggies and flavor.
- Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of cheddar or cream of onion for a different twist.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure to slice the potatoes evenly too thick and they may stay firm; too thin and they may fall apart.
- Covering the dish with foil for the first bake helps the potatoes steam and cook through properly.
- Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving makes it easier to slice and serve clean portions.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness.
- Serve with a side of warm dinner rolls or crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added freshness.
Tips
- Use a mandoline for consistent potato slices to ensure even baking.
- If you’re in a hurry, parboil the potato slices for 5 minutes before assembling.
- Shred your own cheese for the best melt and flavor pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 620mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking. -
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Bake it fully, let it cool, then wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through. -
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken, cream of celery, or make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk. -
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
Pierce the center with a fork it should slide in easily with no resistance. If needed, bake a little longer uncovered.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the kind of hearty, family-friendly dinner that brings everyone to the table. With layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy cheesy finish, it’s comfort food at its finest. Perfect for busy nights or make-ahead meals just slice, serve, and enjoy!
Print
Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food layered with tender potatoes, savory beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. One pan, all the flavor, zero fuss!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, sliced thinly
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Add half the beef, then half the soup mixture. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, top with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes or until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Slice potatoes evenly for even cooking.
- For extra depth of flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef.
- You can swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: beef and potato casserole, ground beef casserole, easy casserole dinner