Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together tender ground beef, soft potatoes, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The mix of potatoes and beef topped with cheese creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that everyone seems to love.
I have to say, one of my favorite things about this casserole is how easy it is to make and how well it holds up as leftovers. I often cook a big batch, and it tastes just as good the next day, which means I get a little break from cooking but still enjoy a delicious meal. Plus, adding a bit of seasoning like garlic or herbs makes it even better without much extra effort.
When I serve this casserole, I like to pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies to keep things fresh. It’s great for family dinners because it feels special but isn’t fussy, and almost everyone enjoys it. Whenever I make it, I get stories from people about their own cheesy casseroles, which reminds me how food can bring back good memories, no matter how simple the recipe is.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds hearty flavor and protein. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute work well.
Potatoes: Thin slicing helps them cook evenly and become tender. Russets or Yukon Golds are great choices. Sweet potatoes can be fun for a slightly sweet note.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and brings sharpness. You can mix in mozzarella for extra stretch or swap for Monterey Jack or Colby if you prefer a milder flavor.
Sour Cream & Milk: These give the casserole creaminess. Greek yogurt is a good swap for sour cream, and any kind of dairy or plant-based milk can be used.
Onion & Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic add depth. If you’re short on time, onion powder and garlic powder work in a pinch, but fresh is best.
How Do You Layer the Casserole for Even Cooking and Flavor?
Layering is key to getting creamy potatoes and well-seasoned beef in every bite. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a greased dish so your potatoes don’t stick.
- Spread half the potato slices in an even layer—thin slices help them cook fully under the beef.
- Add half the cooked beef mixture on top, distributing it evenly.
- Pour half the sour cream and milk sauce gently over the beef to add moisture and creaminess.
- Sprinkle half the shredded cheese on top for that melty, cheesy goodness.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese to get that golden crust when baked.
- Cover the dish while baking to trap moisture and help the potatoes cook through, then uncover near the end for a bubbly, browned top.
Taking time with layering and baking under foil ensures the potatoes soften at the same pace as the beef cooks and the flavors blend beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – this size fits all the layers nicely and is easy to handle.
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
- Mixing bowl – for mixing sour cream and milk to make the sauce.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – to slice the potatoes evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
- Aluminum foil – helps the casserole cook evenly and keeps it moist during baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Proteins: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or cooked lentils to change the flavor or make it leaner.
- Cheese: Mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different meltiness and flavor profiles.
- Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach layers for extra nutrition and color.
- Spices & Herbs: A pinch of cumin, paprika, or thyme can add new flavor notes to the meat or sauce.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley or green onion for garnish (optional)
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake, plus a 5-10 minute resting time. So, overall, plan for roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Beef:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and smell wonderful.
Next, add your ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Stir everything well and take the skillet off the heat.
2. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and milk. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and stir it until smooth. This creamy mix will help keep your casserole moist and tasty.
3. Layer the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Now it’s time to build your casserole! Place half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom.
Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Then, gently pour half of your sour cream sauce over the beef layer. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat these layers one more time using the remaining potatoes, beef, sour cream sauce, and finish by topping everything with the last cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Bake and Serve:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. This keeps the moisture in so the potatoes can cook through.
Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. You want the cheese on top to be melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Also, check that the potatoes are tender by poking them with a fork.
Let your casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes; this helps it set and makes serving easier. Finally, add fresh parsley or green onions on top if you like a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting, cheesy meal!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps ensure even cooking and safer food preparation.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a few hours or even a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge and bake when ready. You might want to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Serve with Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp garden salad works beautifully.