Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole was one of those recipes I first spotted while scrolling through Pinterest late one evening, and something about it just pulled me in—the colors, the coziness, the promise of a simple meal that feels like a hug. I tried it the very next day, and after a little tweaking and adding my own touch, it turned into one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with warmth before you even take the first bite. I love recipes like this… the kind you stumble upon by accident but end up making again because they just feel right. I hope it brings the same comfort to your kitchen that it brought to mine—let’s make something delicious together.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is the kind of recipe you turn to when you want something reliable, comforting, and absolutely loved by everyone at the table. It’s the definition of a weeknight hero—simple ingredients, minimal effort, and a result that tastes like you spent far more time in the kitchen than you actually did. Everything about this dish feels welcoming, from the way the cheese melts into the beef to the way the potatoes become tender and flavorful as they bake together.

Perfect for Busy Families
This dish is ideal for anyone searching for recipes for dinner that use everyday ingredients. It requires very little prep, comes together quickly, and bakes into something satisfying and generous. Whether you’re feeding kids, hungry adults, or a mix of both, Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole delivers every time with warm, familiar flavors.

Comforting and Hearty
The combination of tender potatoes, juicy hamburger-style beef, and gooey cheese creates a hearty casserole that feels homemade in the best way. Every bite has a cozy richness that fills you up without being overwhelming. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes the whole kitchen smell inviting.

Beginner-Friendly
If you usually look up hamburger recipes or quick meals with ground beef, you’ll appreciate how forgiving and straightforward this one is. No fancy steps, no complicated techniques—just simple layering, gentle seasoning, and a bake time that lets everything come together beautifully.

Customizable
Swap the seasoning, add veggies, or choose a different cheese blend—this casserole adapts easily to your taste. You can make it extra cheesy, sneak in greens for balance, or boost the flavor with spices you already love. It’s a flexible, friendly recipe that welcomes your personal touch and still turns out delicious every single time.

Ingredients

What You Need

1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 can cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: parsley, chili flakes, or Italian seasoning

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet with diced onions. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain excess grease.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the soup and milk until smooth. This creates a creamy layer that keeps the potatoes tender and flavorful while baking.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Spread half the sliced potatoes across the bottom, add half the beef mixture, drizzle with some of the creamy sauce, and sprinkle with both cheeses. Repeat the layers until everything is used.

Step 4: Bake Until Tender

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden and the potatoes are fully tender.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.

Tips for the Best Results

Slice Potatoes Evenly

Thin, even slices ensure the potatoes cook through at the same time.

Don’t Skip the Foil

Covering the dish helps the potatoes steam and soften before the cheese browns.

Add More Cheese if You Love It

This recipe is very cheese-friendly—extra cheddar or mozzarella won’t hurt.

Try Adding Veggies

Corn, spinach, peas, or mushrooms blend well with the meat and potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

Serve this casserole with a crisp side salad, steamed broccoli, or warm dinner rolls. It also reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or next-day lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, frozen sliced potatoes or hash browns work well and save prep time.

Can I swap the beef?

Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole, refrigerate, and bake when needed.

Does it freeze well?

Absolutely—freeze before or after baking for up to two months.

They usually keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days if stored in a sealed container.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, most versions freeze well. Just let it cool completely before packing it up.

5. How do I reheat it without drying it out?

Add a little splash of broth, water, or sauce before reheating. It keeps everything soft and flavorful.

6. Can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?

Definitely. Swap in low-fat dairy, add extra veggies, or use leaner proteins if you prefer.

7. What can I serve alongside this recipe?

A crisp salad, warm bread, roasted veggies, or even a simple side of rice all work beautifully.

8. What if my sauce turns out too thick?

Just stir in a bit of milk, broth, or warm water until it reaches the texture you like.

9. Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish or divide it between two smaller ones.

10. How can I add more flavor?

A sprinkle of fresh herbs, extra seasoning, or a little squeeze of lemon at the end can brighten everything up instantly.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole brings together everything people love about easy ground beef recipes: simplicity, comfort, and big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you need a quick family dinner, a lazy weekend meal, or a crowd-pleaser to use up hamburger meat, this casserole will quickly become a regular in your rotation.