Looking for a delicious, hearty, and family-friendly dinner recipe? This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheese into a mouthwatering meal.
This easy beef casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or potluck dinners. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and made with simple pantry ingredients.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll find:
Step-by-step instructions to make the best ground beef casserole
Expert cooking tips for perfect texture and flavor
Storage and meal prep suggestions
Nutritional information and healthy variations
Let’s get started!
Why This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is a Must-Try
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep time.
Budget-Friendly – Uses inexpensive pantry staples.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Store and reheat easily.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Kid-Friendly Dinner – A dish the whole family will love.
If you’re searching for quick and easy dinner ideas, this cheesy casserole recipe is exactly what you need!
Ingredients for the Best Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for that gooey, melty texture)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
Seasonings for Flavor:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Garnish:
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole
Step1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or butter.
Step2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat, then season with smoked paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir well and set aside.
Step3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and beef broth on low heat.
- Stir until fully combined. Remove from heat.
Step4: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish.
- Add half of the cooked ground beef, then 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat with another layer of potatoes, beef, and cheddar cheese.
- Pour the cream sauce evenly over the layers.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
Step5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for 15 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step6: Garnish & Serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Cooking Tips for the Best Ground Beef Casserole
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for extra creaminess.
Season each layer for more depth of flavor.
Don’t skip the beef broth – it keeps the casserole moist.
For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Want to make it healthier? Swap ground beef for turkey, and use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Pair your cheesy potato bake with:
Fresh Salad – Adds crunch and freshness.
Steamed Veggies – A healthy and delicious side.
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the cheesy goodness.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fats: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
This beef and potato casserole is a great source of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious dinner option.
Storage and Leftovers
How to Store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, sausage, or chicken work great.
3. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
4. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?
Make sure to use enough cream and broth, and cover with foil while baking.
Related Recipes for Comfort Food Lovers
If you loved this beef and potato casserole, try these next:
-
Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls – Best Party Appetizer
-
Garlic Butter Steak Bites – Easy Keto Dinner Recipe
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal that will become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep solution, or a dish for a potluck, this recipe checks all the boxes!
Give this cheesy casserole recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments!
If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends!
Print
Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole – Best Easy Dinner
Description
If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal, this Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is perfect! Combining layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a classic family favorite. It’s easy to prepare, full of rich flavors, and perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even potlucks.
In this article, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, nutritional information, and storage recommendations to make this dish successfully every time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Garnish:
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat, then season the beef with smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir well and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and beef broth over low heat.
- Stir continuously until well combined.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked beef over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle ½ of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
- Repeat the layers: potatoes, remaining beef, and another layer of cheddar cheese.
- Pour the cream and broth mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for extra flavor and color.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
1. Use a Mandoline for Even Potato Slices
Thin, uniform slices ensure even cooking and a great texture.
2. Swap Cheese for a New Flavor
Try using Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda for a unique twist.
3. Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition
Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can make this dish even heartier and more nutritious.
4. Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a kick!