This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With layers of tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese, it’s comfort food at its best!
I love how it’s all made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite veggies—everyone wins! Who knew dinner could be this easy and tasty? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Don’t forget to season it well!
Potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for their creaminess. If you’re short on time, precooked or frozen sliced potatoes can work too. You could also try sweet potatoes for a twist!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Don’t worry if you don’t have this on hand. Cream of celery or even a homemade white sauce will do! For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk and a bit of cornstarch to thicken.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor, but you can substitute it with Monterey Jack or any cheese you prefer. Mixing cheeses can add a lovely depth to the dish!
Butter: If you’re looking for a healthier fat, olive oil or coconut oil work perfectly for greasing your dish.
How Can I Make Sure My Casserole Has Perfectly Cooked Potatoes?
The key to tender potatoes is in the slicing—make sure they are thin and even, about 1/8-inch thick. This helps them cook through while baking.
- Pre-cook them for a few minutes in water if you’re using thicker cuts. This ensures they soften in the oven.
- Layer them evenly in the dish. It promotes even cooking and prevents some from being undercooked.
- Covering the dish with foil initially traps steam, helping to cook the potatoes through. Just remember to remove it later for a nice, bubbly golden finish!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious casserole that everyone will enjoy! Happy cooking!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour in the oven. So, you’re looking at a total time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your casserole goes in!
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. After that, drain any excess fat to keep it from being too greasy.
4. Season the Beef:
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Give it a good stir to combine everything, then remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
5. Mix the Soup and Milk:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until you have a smooth mixture. This creamy blend will help keep the casserole moist.
6. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Take your 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it with the butter. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking.
7. Layer the Ingredients:
Start by layering half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
Pour half of the soup and milk mixture evenly over the beef, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Repeat this layering process with the remaining ingredients: potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and finish off with the remaining cheese.
8. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil, then bake it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook thoroughly.
9. Get it Golden Brown:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set a little and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
Enjoy your warm, comforting Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole! It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Casserole?
Yes! Frozen sliced potatoes can save you time. Just add them directly to the casserole without thawing. You may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery soup or make a quick homemade version using a roux of butter and flour, mixed with milk and seasonings for flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave in individual portions.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots. Mix them in with the beef or layer them with the potatoes; just ensure they’re diced small enough to cook through while baking.
