I’m so happy to share my Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe with you! This is the kind of warm, comforting casserole that feels like a big hug on a plate. It has tender buttery potato slices, savory ground beef, and lots of melted cheddar cheese. Everything bakes together in one dish, which makes it simple and family friendly.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 55 minutes
Prep Time: about 15 minutes
Cook Time: about 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (1 casserole)
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made a cheesy potato casserole at home, my kitchen smelled so cozy and delicious. There is just something special about potatoes, beef, and cheese all baked together.
This recipe is pure comfort food. You start with thin potato slices coated in melted butter, then bake them until they are soft. After that, you add a creamy ground beef layer and finish it with more cheese on top.
It is a great dinner for busy weeknights because it uses simple ingredients and only one baking dish for easy cleanup.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes
This casserole is rich, cheesy, and very easy to put together. Here’s how it all comes together:
• Slice the potatoes thin so they bake up tender
• Coat the potatoes with melted butter and a little salt
• Bake the potato layer first until soft
• Brown the ground beef in a skillet until crumbly
• Mix the beef with creamy soup, milk, and cheese
• Spread the beef mixture over the baked potatoes
• Add more cheddar on top for a melty finish
• Bake again until hot, bubbly, and cheesy
It is a simple baked dinner with big comfort food flavor.
Ingredients
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 3 cups thinly sliced peeled potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Heat your oven to 400°F.
- Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Coat the Potatoes:
- Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl.
- Pour the melted butter over them and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Mix until the potatoes are well coated.
- Layer the Potatoes in the Dish:
- Arrange the potato slices in overlapping layers along the bottom and sides of the dish.
- This helps them cook evenly and makes a nice base.
- Bake the Potatoes First:
- Bake for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- They should feel tender when you poke them with a fork.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the ground beef for about 5 to 7 minutes, until browned and crumbly.
- Drain off the extra grease.
- Mix the Creamy Beef Filling:
- Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, and the milk.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Beef Layer:
- Remove the potatoes from the oven.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake Until Hot:
- Return the casserole to the oven.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until heated through.
- Top with Cheese and Finish Baking:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for another 4 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let it cool for a few minutes.
- Scoop, serve warm, and enjoy this cheesy comfort meal.
Process Details
• Thin Potato Slices: Thin slices cook faster and become soft and buttery in the oven.
• Baking the Potatoes First: This step makes sure the potatoes are tender before adding the beef layer.
• Browning the Beef: Cooking the beef until crumbly gives the casserole a hearty, savory flavor.
• Creamy Filling Mix: The soup and milk make a smooth sauce that holds everything together.
• Cheese on Top: Adding cheese at the end gives you that gooey, melty finish everyone loves.
• One Dish Comfort: Everything bakes in the same casserole dish, so cleanup is easy.
Tips for Success
• Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same speed.
• Use sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor.
• Season the beef with a little extra salt and pepper if you like more flavor.
• Drain the grease well so the casserole does not turn oily.
• A mandoline slicer can help make thin potato slices quickly, but be careful.
• You can stir in a little sour cream for an even creamier filling if you want.
Serving Ideas
• Cozy Dinner Plate: Serve with a simple green salad on the side.
• Family Favorite Meal: Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
• Extra Toppings: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch.
• Comfort Food Night: Serve with warm dinner rolls to scoop up the cheesy sauce.
• Make It Your Own: Add peas or corn if you want a little color and sweetness.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until hot, adding a splash of milk if it looks dry.
• Freezing: You can freeze it, but the creamy sauce may change texture a little after thawing.
• Best Tip: Freeze in portions for easier reheating later.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the beef layer, then bake when ready.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~779
• Protein: ~36g
• Carbohydrates: ~27g
• Fat: ~58g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sodium: ~1180mg
• Sugar: ~3g
My Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe is creamy, hearty, and full of cozy comfort food flavor. With buttery potatoes, savory beef, and melted cheddar cheese, it is a simple casserole that feels extra satisfying.
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this recipe as much as I do. Once you try it, it may quickly become one of your favorite easy family dinners to bake and share.