If you’ve been searching for a comforting, hearty dish that combines the best of savory ground beef and tender potatoes, this Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It brings together simple, wholesome ingredients in a layered casserole that’s rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. This is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and leaves everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping something cozy for the week ahead, this casserole locks in incredible taste while remaining surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the creamy potatoes to the savory beef and melty cheese topping. These straightforward pantry staples come together to create magic in the oven.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides the meaty, savory base that gives the casserole its rich depth.
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: These potatoes offer the perfect creamy texture and hold their shape beautifully during baking.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and aromatic complexity when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a subtle punch of savory flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly topping that crowns the casserole with irresistible creaminess.
- 1 cup whole milk: Helps coat the potatoes, making them tender and silky once baked.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create that luscious, velvety texture throughout the casserole.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Optional: Dried herbs (thyme or rosemary): For a fragrant, earthy touch, these herbs add a lovely dimension without overpowering the main ingredients.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Saute
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and ready for baking. While that heats up, grab a large skillet and warm a splash of oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they’re translucent and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds a strong flavor base that will permeate the entire casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the lean ground beef to your skillet. Break it up with your spoon or spatula as it cooks, making sure it browns evenly. This process usually takes around 7 to 8 minutes. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper to bring out the savory notes. Once the beef is cooked through and beautifully browned, set the skillet aside to rest.
Step 3: Mix Potatoes with Milk and Butter
In a separate bowl, combine your thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes with the whole milk and melted butter. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the potato slices are fully coated in the rich, creamy mixture. This will ensure that the potatoes bake up wonderfully tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grab a greased baking dish (a 9×13 inch works perfectly here) and start layering your ingredients. Begin with half of the potato mixture spread evenly across the bottom. Then add half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture on top. Repeat the layers one more time, finishing with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese. This layering technique helps the flavors meld while keeping the textures distinct and delightful.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to start, allowing everything to cook thoroughly. Then carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The result is a gorgeous casserole with a perfectly crisp and cheesy top, soft tender potatoes, and savory ground beef goodness throughout.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving. These herbs brighten up each bite and add a pop of color that makes the dish look as wonderful as it tastes. For a bit of extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream on the side can provide a lovely tangy creaminess.
Side Dishes
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness wonderfully, and roasted or steamed vegetables such as green beans or broccoli add vibrant nutrients and crunch. For a cozy meal, warm crusty bread or garlic bread rounds out the feast perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. You can also experiment with layering in extras like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to add new flavors and textures. Drizzling a hint of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top can give the casserole a subtle kick that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Simply cover it tightly to maintain moisture and prevent it from picking up any fridge odors. This makes for incredibly convenient next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it heats through. For saving baked leftovers, portion it out into freezer-safe containers for easy grab-and-go meals later.
Reheating
To reheat, the oven is your best friend for preserving the casserole’s texture. Warm it at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes, then uncover and heat another 5 to 10 minutes to crisp the top again. If you’re short on time, microwave portions covered loosely with a damp paper towel, checking every minute until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture, Russets or red potatoes can be used as well. Just keep in mind that firmer potatoes like red potatoes won’t become quite as soft, but they add a nice bite to the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, since it doesn’t call for any flour or breading. Just be sure that any processed ingredients like shredded cheese haven’t been cross-contaminated if you have celiac concerns.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can be stirred into the beef mixture before layering. Vegetables add more color, flavor, and nutrition, making the casserole even more satisfying.
How can I make this casserole creamier?
To amp up the creaminess, you can stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese into the milk and butter mixture coating the potatoes. Adding an extra half cup of shredded cheese inside the layers also contributes to a richer texture.
What can I serve alongside this casserole?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetable sides work wonderfully to balance the hearty richness of the casserole. Crusty bread or garlic bread is also a classic pairing that your family will love.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe is truly a cozy, satisfying dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough for sharing with loved ones. The layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, and golden cheese create a harmony of textures and flavors that will surely become a family favorite. I promise once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again whenever you crave that warm, comforting meal. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready for a delicious experience that’s simply irresistible.
Print
Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole featuring layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, savory browned ground beef with aromatic onions and garlic, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This oven-baked dish is perfect for a family dinner and combines creamy potatoes with rich flavors for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Dried herbs (thyme or rosemary)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step develops the base flavors.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to enhance its taste.
- Prepare Potatoes: In a separate bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes with whole milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are well coated, which will keep them moist during baking.
- Layer Casserole: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the potato mixture evenly at the bottom. Then spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes and beef. Finally, top the dish with shredded cheddar cheese for a flavorful crust.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender.
Notes
- You can add dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the potato mixture for enhanced flavor.
- Using Yukon Gold potatoes provides a creamy texture that holds up well in casseroles.
- Make sure to slice potatoes thinly for even cooking.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to make serving easier.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
