Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

I first came across this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole on Pinterest one evening, and it instantly felt like the kind of cozy meal I’d want to make after a long day. The photo looked golden and gooey—layers of creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory ground beef baked together into pure comfort. When I finally tried it in my own kitchen, the smell alone made me smile. I added a few small tweaks to make it my own, and it turned out even better than I expected—rich, hearty, and just the right amount of cheesy. It’s one of those simple dinners that brings everyone to the table and fills the house with warmth.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe

Ready in under an hour and requires minimal effort.
Uses pantry staples and frozen ingredients you likely already have.
Cheesy, creamy, and family-approved — even picky eaters love it.
Perfect for meal prep or freezer-friendly leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef

One pound of ground beef adds richness and hearty flavor to the casserole base.

Frozen Potatoes

Use frozen cubed potatoes with onions and peppers for extra flavor, or plain ones if your family prefers.

Cheddar Cheese Soup

Adds creamy, cheesy goodness to every bite.

Cream of Celery Soup

This balances the flavors and creates a smooth, savory sauce. You can also use cream of mushroom for variety.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese — use a generous amount for that gooey topping.

Seasoning

Salt, pepper, and garlic powder work perfectly, but you can add paprika or Italian seasoning for a little twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dab away excess grease with a paper towel.

Step 2 – Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, frozen potatoes, both cans of soup, and half of your shredded cheese. Add extra seasoning if desired, but remember the soups already contain salt.

Step 3 – Assemble the Casserole

Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese generously over the top — the cheesier, the better.

Step 4 – Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. For an extra crispy top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
If using lean ground beef, consider adding a tablespoon of butter or olive oil for richness.
You can swap in tater tots or hash browns instead of cubed potatoes.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set before serving.

Variations and Add-Ins

Add veggies like chopped zucchini, green beans, mushrooms, or corn for extra nutrition.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a lighter or bolder flavor.
Use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup instead of celery for a different twist.
Top with crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or extra cheese for a crispy finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Can You Freeze Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole?

Yes! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 520 | Protein: 31g | Carbohydrates: 27g | Fat: 32g | Sodium: 760mg | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 270mg | Iron: 3mg

ChatGPT said:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes! You can peel and dice fresh potatoes into small cubes. Just parboil them for about 5–7 minutes before mixing them into the casserole so they soften properly while baking.

2. Can I use different types of soup?
Definitely. Cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or even cream of bacon soup all work well in this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole. Each one gives the dish a slightly different flavor twist.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

4. How do I prevent the casserole from being too greasy?
Use lean ground beef and dab off any excess grease after browning. You can also drain it through a colander before mixing with the other ingredients.

5. What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is the most flavorful, but a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully too. For extra creaminess, add a handful of mozzarella.

6. Can I add vegetables to make it healthier?
Absolutely. Green beans, corn, peas, or diced zucchini blend perfectly into this casserole. Just mix them in before baking for a more colorful and nutritious version.

7. How can I make the top extra crispy?
Remove the foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking and switch your oven to broil for a few minutes until the cheese turns golden and slightly crisp.

8. Can I freeze Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole?
Yes! Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until hot throughout or thaw overnight in the fridge first.

9. How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm and bubbly.

10. What side dishes go well with this casserole?
It pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of buttered rolls. The cheesy, hearty flavors also go great with steamed broccoli or green beans.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is one of those dishes that feels like home — cozy, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this easy recipe delivers every time. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor — it’s comfort food done right.