Are you looking for a hearty, easy-to-make dinner that will please the entire family? Look no further than this ground beef casserole with potatoes recipe! Packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Read on to discover how to make this simple yet satisfying meal and learn some tips and tricks to perfect your casserole game. Trust us—you won't want to miss a single step of this delicious recipe!
What is Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes?
Ground beef casserole with potatoes is a traditional comfort food that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a creamy or cheesy sauce. The ingredients are baked together until the potatoes are tender and the casserole develops a golden, bubbly crust. This dish is incredibly versatile, as you can add a variety of vegetables, spices, and cheeses to suit your personal preferences. It's the perfect option for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or when you're craving something warm and comforting.
Ingredients List for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes
Here is a basic list of ingredients you’ll need to make this ground beef casserole with potatoes:
- 1 pound of ground beef: You can choose lean beef or regular ground beef depending on your preference.
- 4 large potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best because they hold up well during baking.
- 1 large onion: Chopped finely to add a mild flavor and aroma to the casserole.
- 2 cloves of garlic: Minced, to elevate the flavor.
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz): This adds creaminess and depth to the dish.
- ½ cup of milk: Helps to thin out the cream of mushroom soup and make the sauce smoother.
- 1 teaspoon salt: To season the beef and potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and flavor balance.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives the casserole a warm, smoky flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds richness and a gooey, cheesy topping.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: For sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Optional herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary to add some greenery and aromatic flavors.
Ingredients List for Additional Toppings (Optional)
- ½ cup of sour cream: Can be mixed into the casserole for a tangy flavor or dolloped on top when serving.
- ½ cup of bacon bits: Adds a salty, crispy topping.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives: Perfect for garnish and a fresh bite.
- 1 cup frozen vegetables (like peas, carrots, or green beans): Can be added for extra nutrition and color.
Substitutions and Variations
This casserole is versatile and can be customized in a variety of ways. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Sweet Potatoes: If you're a fan of sweet potatoes, feel free to swap out regular potatoes for a sweeter twist.
- Vegan Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, use vegan cheese, and swap the cream of mushroom soup for a dairy-free alternative.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce to give the casserole a little kick.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free: If you're gluten-intolerant, ensure that your cream of mushroom soup and any other canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to prepare your ground beef casserole with potatoes:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it's at the right temperature once you’re ready to bake your casserole.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them thinly (about ¼-inch thick) using a sharp knife or a mandoline for even slices. Set them aside.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add olive oil (or butter), chopped onions, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they become soft and translucent.
- Season the beef mixture: Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with milk and whisk until smooth. This will create a creamy sauce for the casserole.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with some butter or cooking spray. Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly on top of the potatoes. Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef. Add the rest of the potatoes and pour the remaining soup mixture on top.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Let it rest: Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
How to Cook Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this dish is all about layering the ingredients correctly and ensuring the potatoes cook thoroughly. The key steps include:
- Browning the beef and seasoning it well: Ensures that your casserole is packed with flavor.
- Slicing the potatoes evenly: To ensure even cooking, the potato slices should be uniform in thickness.
- Creating a creamy sauce: Mixing cream of mushroom soup with milk makes the dish rich and smooth.
- Baking with and without foil: Baking the casserole with foil allows the potatoes to cook properly, while removing the foil in the final minutes ensures a golden, crispy top layer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not slicing potatoes thinly enough: Thicker slices will take longer to cook, and you may end up with undercooked potatoes.
- Skipping the sauté step: Make sure to sauté the onions and garlic. This small step adds a lot of depth to the dish.
- Not draining excess fat: If you don’t drain the fat from the ground beef, the casserole can become greasy.
- Overcooking or undercooking the casserole: Use a fork to check if the potatoes are tender before removing the casserole from the oven. If not, give it a few more minutes.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your ground beef casserole with potatoes look as good as it tastes, presentation is key. Here are a few tips:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top to brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.
- Serve with a side salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
- Slice cleanly: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking so that it’s easier to slice and serves neatly.
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes
This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but here are a few sides that can complement it:
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans are healthy sides that add color to your plate.
- A crisp green salad: A light, fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the casserole.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes
If you're serving this casserole to guests, consider these presentation ideas:
- Use a cast-iron skillet or a rustic baking dish: This adds a homestyle feel that’s visually appealing.
- Garnish with cheese and herbs: A final dusting of cheese and herbs right before serving can enhance both the flavor and the look of the dish.
- Serve in individual ramekins: This makes the casserole feel more elegant and portion-controlled.
Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes Recipe Tips
- Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's chilled.
- Freezing tip: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, prepare and assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time.
- Leftover tip: This dish reheats wonderfully in the oven or microwave. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes! While Russet and Yukon Gold are commonly used, red potatoes or sweet potatoes can also work.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if it's cold from the fridge.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure that you use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and double-check any other packaged ingredients.
Conclusion
Ground beef casserole with potatoes is a timeless comfort dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless variations, it’s a dish that works for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead. Whether you stick to the classic version or put your own spin on it with additional ingredients or substitutions, this casserole is sure to deliver rich, satisfying flavors every time. Ready to give it a try? Grab your ingredients and start cooking your way to a delicious, comforting meal!
PrintGround Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe
This ground beef casserole with potatoes recipe is a perfect comfort food dish. With hearty layers of ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheese, it's a meal that satisfies every craving. The ingredients include ground beef, potatoes, onion, garlic, shredded cheese, and seasoning. This casserole is easy to prepare and bake, making it a convenient dinner option. The beef and potatoes bake to perfection in this one-pan wonder, delivering flavor and texture in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Layer half of the potato slices in a greased casserole dish.
- Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
- Pour cream of mushroom soup evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and paprika.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
Notes
- For added flavor, try adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers.
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade sauce for a different taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
Leave a Reply