If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole. Imagine layers of savory ground beef, tender hash brown potatoes, and a gloriously melty cheddar blanket, all tucked together in a bubbling, golden-topped bake. This dish is cozy enough for a family dinner on a chilly evening but easy enough to throw together any night of the week. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and delivers everything you love about classic casseroles—with just the right amount of cheesy indulgence!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole plays a special role: from forming the comforting, creamy base to delivering that irresistible, melty top. The list is simple, but each part brings flavor, texture, and farmhouse goodness to your dinner table.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Rich, savory protein that forms the heart of the casserole.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness, depth, and a bit of bite to the beef layer.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings warmth and an aromatic kick to tie everything together.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and balances the richness of the dish.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and brightens the casserole.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Provides a subtle smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- Frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed (3 cups): The hearty, starchy base that makes every bite so satisfying.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Binds everything together with creamy richness—use your favorite brand.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Gives a tangy, velvety creaminess that sets this casserole apart.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups, divided): The star topping and savory glue that melds everything together.
- Milk (½ cup): Loosens the mix ever so slightly, keeping things luscious—not heavy.
- Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Adds buttery notes and rounds out the flavors (plus, it helps brown the top).
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A pop of color and freshness right before serving!
How to Make Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray—this tiny step keeps the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Brown the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with your chopped onion and garlic. Stir continuously, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease so your casserole isn’t too heavy. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika for that first big burst of flavor.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, combine your cooked beef mixture with the thawed hash brown potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, milk, and the melted butter. Stir it all until you get a creamy, chunky mix—don’t be afraid to really integrate everything so each bite is loaded with flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your beefy, cheesy potato mixture into the greased baking dish, making sure to spread it out in an even layer for the prettiest results. Then, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top. This is where the Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole gets that signature golden, bubbly lid everyone fights for!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot, bubbling, and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. Let it rest about five minutes before serving—this helps everything set and keeps the cheesy potato squares neat when you slice and serve.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley adds not only vibrant color but also a touch of herby freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of chives or a dash of smoked paprika over the top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole loves company! Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted green beans, or steamed broccoli for a beautiful burst of color and crunch. A simple side like garlic bread or warm dinner rolls is also perfect for scooping up every cheesy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, you can scoop the Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole into ramekins for individual portions—kids especially love this! Hosting brunch? Present it family-style in a big, deep dish, and offer toppings like hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or even a dollop of extra sour cream on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole keeps beautifully. Simply cover the cooled dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for lunch or a second easy dinner.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer’s best friend. Bake it fully, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Label and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For leftovers or make-ahead meals, just cover and reheat the Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole in a 350°F oven until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again (about 20 minutes). Single servings can be microwaved in one-minute bursts—just cover to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Peel and dice russet or Yukon gold potatoes into small cubes. Parboil them for about 5 minutes first, then drain well and proceed as directed for a slightly firmer, homemade feel.
Can I make Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything (except the final cheese topping) up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle on the last bit of cheese and pop it in the oven as usual—it may need a few extra minutes since you’ll be starting from cold.
What substitutions work for the cream of mushroom soup?
If mushroom isn’t your favorite, swap in cream of cheddar, cream of chicken, or even a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup. Each brings its own character—just make sure the soup is condensed for the right texture.
How do I add more veggies?
Get creative! Stir in a cup of thawed frozen peas, diced bell pepper, or chopped broccoli florets before baking. They add nutrition and a pop of color while staying true to the spirit of Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Yes! Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella for a different melt or flavor. Pepper Jack is wonderful if you want a subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s as welcoming as a warm hug, this Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole is simply unbeatable. It’s easy, cozy, and almost guaranteed to become a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to some seriously satisfying comfort food tonight!
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Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, hash browns, creamy sauce, and cheddar cheese come together in a delicious baked casserole.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Casserole:
- 3 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Beef: Brown ground beef with onion and garlic in a skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain excess grease.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine beef mixture with potatoes, soup, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar, milk, and butter.
- Bake: Pour mixture into dish, top with remaining cheddar, and bake for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of cheddar or cream of chicken for variety.
- Add cooked vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
