When it comes to hearty, comfort food, few dishes can compare to a delicious casserole. This Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a perfect balance of savory flavors, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness. Whether you're planning a family dinner, potluck, or an easy weeknight meal, this dish checks all the boxes. Plus, it's incredibly simple to make, using pantry staples and ingredients you're likely to have on hand. Read on to discover how to prepare this mouthwatering casserole, and be sure to try this recipe out for yourself!

What is Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes?
Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a layered dish featuring hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s topped off with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese for a gooey finish. The potatoes serve as a solid base that soaks up the flavorful meat and seasonings, making every bite a comforting and satisfying experience. This casserole is incredibly versatile, and it's perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead of time.
Ingredients List for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes
- 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 lb ground beef, lean or regular depending on your preference
- 1 medium onion, diced for added flavor and texture
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup, to create a creamy base for the casserole
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, gives a rich, creamy consistency to the dish
- ½ cup whole milk, adds extra creaminess and moisture to the casserole
- 2 teaspoon salt, to bring out all the flavors in the dish
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, for seasoning and mild heat
- 2 teaspoon onion powder, to deepen the savory flavor profile
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided into two portions for layering and topping
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes recipe is its versatility. Here are some substitution and variation ideas that can suit different tastes or dietary needs:
- Potatoes: Instead of russet potatoes, try using Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture. You can even swap in sweet potatoes for a sweeter, more nutrient-dense option.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is commonly used, but ground turkey, chicken, or pork are great alternatives if you prefer a lighter protein or want to change things up.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: If you're not a fan of cream of chicken soup or want a vegetarian option, substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. You could also make your own cream sauce using butter, flour, and broth.
- Cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby for a different cheesy flavor.
- Seasoning: In addition to the salt, pepper, and onion powder, consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for more depth.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this casserole is a straightforward process that requires minimal prep work and some easy layering. Here’s how to prepare your Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes step-by-step:

- Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the casserole. - Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel and slice the russet potatoes thinly, aiming for about ⅛-inch thickness. Thinner slices cook more evenly and absorb the flavors better. You can use a mandoline for precise and uniform slices. - Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it's fully cooked and no longer pink. Add diced onion to the skillet halfway through browning the meat, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease. - Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the can of cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder until well-combined. This creamy mixture will coat the potatoes and beef, tying the flavors together. - Layer the Casserole:
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, start with a layer of half the sliced potatoes. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Spread half of the cooked ground beef and onion mixture on top of the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef and potatoes. Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers: potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and then finish with the remaining cheese on top. - Cover and Bake:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning during baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. - Uncover and Continue Baking:
After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. - Let It Rest:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the layers settle and makes it easier to serve.
How to Cook Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a more detailed guide, let’s break down each step to ensure a flawless casserole every time:
- Preheating: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature to ensure the casserole cooks evenly throughout.
- Browning the Beef: When browning ground beef, avoid crowding the skillet to allow for even browning. Draining the excess fat keeps the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Layering: The key to a great casserole is layering evenly, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Start with potatoes, followed by meat, sauce, and cheese.
- Baking Time: Casseroles need a slow, even bake to allow all the flavors to meld and the potatoes to soften fully. Baking uncovered at the end gives the dish that perfect, bubbly, golden cheese top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thick Potato Slices: If the potato slices are too thick, they may not cook fully, resulting in a casserole with hard potatoes. Aim for thin slices (about ⅛ inch) to ensure even cooking.
- Overcooking the Beef: Browning the beef is essential, but overcooking it will dry it out. Cook until just browned, then remove from heat.
- Too Much Liquid: Don’t add more liquid than specified in the recipe, or your casserole may become watery. Stick to the measured amounts for creaminess without excess moisture.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Resting the casserole before serving allows it to firm up slightly and makes it easier to serve in neat portions.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a rustic dish that looks great in a family-style presentation, but there are ways to elevate its appearance:
- Individual Servings: Serve in small ramekins or bake the casserole in smaller, single-portion dishes for a refined presentation.
- Garnishing: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Sides: Pair with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole.
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes
When serving, scoop the casserole from the bottom to ensure each portion gets layers of potato, beef, sauce, and cheese. Serve alongside a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite steamed veggies to balance out the hearty, cheesy goodness.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes
- Family Style: Bring the casserole dish straight to the table and let everyone serve themselves for a relaxed, communal meal.
- Elegant Plating: Use a large spatula to serve neatly cut squares of the casserole, then garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream for a more elegant dinner.
Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the fridge, then bake when ready. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use pre-sliced or frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen or pre-sliced potatoes to save time, but fresh potatoes yield the best texture. - Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free variety or make a homemade version. - Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! You can add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional content. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a classic comfort dish that’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for feeding a family or crowd. Its creamy, cheesy layers, hearty beef, and tender potatoes make it a hit for any occasion. Follow the step-by-step guide and tips to create a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal. Be sure to experiment with substitutions or additions to make this recipe your own!
PrintGround Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe
This hearty Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is packed with flavor! Made with tender russet potatoes, seasoned ground beef, onions, and creamy cheese, it's a comforting dish perfect for family dinners. The addition of evaporated milk and cream of chicken soup makes it extra rich and satisfying. Keywords: ground beef casserole, potatoes, cheddar cheese, creamy casserole recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10 oz)
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In a separate bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish, then top with half of the cooked beef mixture. Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef, then sprinkle with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. ⅙ of casserole)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
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