Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes

There are some dishes that just feel like a warm hug—and this Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is one of them. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and every single time, it fills my kitchen with that savory, buttery smell that instantly makes me feel at home. If you’re like me, always on the hunt for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that doesn’t take an entire day to cook, this casserole is about to earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

This recipe is a mix of simple, everyday ingredients—ground beef, potatoes, onions, cheese—and it somehow turns into a dish that feels way fancier than the effort required. It’s humble, it’s comforting, and every bite brings out the perfect blend of textures and flavors.

I love this recipe not just for how it tastes, but because it reminds me that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. And I think that’s what makes this dish really special—how something so simple can feel so deeply comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to fall in love with this casserole, and here’s why:

• Easy to prepare with pantry staples
• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Hearty and satisfying without being heavy
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Customizable with endless flavor twists
• Budget-friendly and freezer-ready

Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment here—just basic kitchen tools that get the job done. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large skillet – to brown the ground beef and sauté the onions. A non-stick skillet is best to avoid burning.
• Baking dish (9×13 inch / 23×33 cm) – to layer and bake the casserole.
• Cutting board + sharp knife – to chop potatoes and onions smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts.
• Mixing bowl – to combine ingredients if you’re adding custom seasonings.
• Cheese grater – if you’re grating fresh cheese (which I highly recommend—it melts better!).
• Foil – to cover the casserole while baking so the potatoes cook through without burning.

Ingredients (US & Metric + Notes)

Serves 6–8

• 1 ½ pounds (680 g) ground beef (I use 85% lean for flavor)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3–4 medium russet potatoes, sliced thinly (about 2 pounds / 900 g)
• 2 cups (475 ml) shredded cheddar cheese, divided (more if you’re a cheese lover)
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional but highly recommended)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but pretty)

Instructions: Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the oven
2. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it hot and ready by the time the casserole is assembled.
3. Brown the beef
4. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook another 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
5. Tip: You can season the beef while it cooks with a pinch of salt and pepper for deeper flavor.
6. Mix the creamy sauce
7. In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. This will be your magic binder that holds everything together.
8. Layer the casserole
9. Lightly grease your baking dish. Begin with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom—it’s okay if they overlap. Add half of your cooked beef and onions, drizzle a bit of the sauce, sprinkle cheddar cheese, and repeat. You should end with cheese on top.
10. Cover & Bake
11. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to steam and soften.
12. Uncover & Finish
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the potatoes are fork-tender.
14. Rest & Serve
15. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps set the layers (and keeps your tongue from burning!).

Serving Ideas

You can enjoy this casserole all by itself, but here are some side dishes that go great with it:

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted carrots or broccoli
• Warm dinner rolls (because extra carbs are worth it)

Variations & Customizations

• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack
• Add sliced jalapeños for heat
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Mix in a can of corn or peas for extra veggies
• Replace potatoes with thinly sliced sweet potatoes

Feel free to get creative. The base of this dish is so flexible, it’s hard to go wrong.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
• Leftovers: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, defrost overnight before baking as directed.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave slices individually.

Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

• Cut potatoes thinly – Thick slices can stay hard. Aim for 1/8 inch or less.
• Season each layer – Don’t rely on one sprinkle of salt at the end. Add a little as you go.
• Use foil – Without it, the top will burn before the potatoes cook through.
• Grate your own cheese – It melts better and avoids that powdery coating found on pre-shredded cheese.
• Let it rest – If you dig in too early, the layers won’t hold together.

I’ve learned these tricks the hard way, and now I swear by them for the perfect casserole every time.

Recipe Summary

• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Estimated values:

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 25g

Wrapping Up

I hope you enjoy this Ground Beef Casserole Potatoes as much as I do. It’s cozy, comforting, and totally doable—even on a busy weeknight. If you make it, I’d love for you to tell me how it turned out, what tweaks you made, or what your family thought. Share it with someone who needs a warm meal, or drop a comment with your version—I’m always excited to hear from you.