This cheesy ground beef and potato casserole is a warm hug in a dish! Packed with layers of tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese, it’s a family favorite.
Who knows, it might just become your new go-to for busy nights! I love how easy it is—just layer, bake, and enjoy! What’s not to love about cheese melting all over everything? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I suggest using lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. If you prefer, turkey or chicken can be good substitutes if you want a lighter option.
Onion and Garlic: Yellow onions work best for this dish. You can switch to shallots for a milder taste. Fresh garlic is great, but garlic powder can also do in a pinch.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for layers, but you can use Yukon Gold for creaminess. Frozen hash browns could be a fun time-saver if you’re in a hurry!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack for extra creaminess or use a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: For a healthier option, try a homemade version or substitute it with cream of chicken or a homemade cheese sauce.
How Do I Layer the Ingredients for Maximum Flavor?
Layering is key to ensuring every bite is delicious! Start with a base of potatoes for even cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- First, ensure your potatoes are evenly sliced for consistent cooking.
- Layer half the potatoes, then spread half the beef mixture for a good meat-to-potato balance.
- Pour on your soup mixture, and follow with cheese for richness.
- Repeat with another layer of potatoes and the rest of the ingredients to build depth of flavor.
Finish with more cheese on top for a perfectly cheesy crust!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cooking oil or butter
Time Needed:
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 1 hour to cook. Total time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so that nothing sticks later.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the cooking oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Don’t forget to season it with salt, pepper, and paprika! Once done, take it off the heat.
4. Prepare the Soup Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix the condensed cream of mushroom soup with the milk until it’s smooth and combined. This is what will make our casserole creamy!
5. Layer the Casserole:
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
6. Add Soup and Cheese:
Pour half of the soup mixture over the ground beef layer and then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Lay the remaining sliced potatoes over the cheese as another layer.
7. Complete the Layers:
Pour the remaining soup mixture over the potatoes, making sure to coat them well. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes.
8. Melt the Cheese:
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
9. Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers hold together better. If you’d like, garnish with dried parsley for a pop of color!
10. Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, comforting casserole. It’s sure to warm hearts and bellies!
This recipe makes a hearty and easy-to-make casserole perfect for weeknight dinners. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQ about Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While the recipe uses ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No problem! You can use cream of chicken soup or make a simple homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk. Just season it with some herbs to add flavor if desired!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge!