If you are on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender slices of Yukon Gold potatoes, rich and savory ground beef, and a golden blanket of melted cheddar cheese. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy, and meaty flavors that remind you why casserole classics never go out of style. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to become one of your favorites in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet satisfying ingredients is the first step toward a truly delicious casserole. Each one plays a critical role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Gives the casserole its hearty, protein-packed base with rich flavor.
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Their creamy texture and buttery notes create the perfect tender layers.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds aromatic sweetness that balances the savory beef perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a gentle pungency that brightens every mouthful.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a luscious, golden topping with a sharp, comforting flavor.
- 1 cup whole milk: Moistens the potatoes and helps everything meld together beautifully.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted: Enriches the potatoes with a silky, indulgent finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight and enhance all other ingredients.
- Optional: Dried herbs (thyme or rosemary): Add subtle woodsy notes for a gourmet twist.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when the casserole is ready to bake. While it heats, peel and thinly slice your Yukon Gold potatoes—this ensures they cook evenly and become delightfully tender through baking.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm a drizzle of oil and then add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step softens the onion and mellows the garlic, building a flavorful base for the meat to come.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the lean ground beef to your skillet and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to bring out its natural savoriness. Once cooked through, remove it from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Mix the Potato Coating
In a separate bowl, toss your sliced potatoes with whole milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. This mixture keeps your potatoes creamy and tender once baked, while the butter adds richness.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then start layering: first spread half of the potato mixture evenly on the bottom, then spoon over half of the beef mixture. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef, and finally, scatter the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to let everything meld. Remove the foil afterward and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and turn a gorgeous golden brown. This final baking step adds a wonderful texture contrast between the creamy interior and crispy cheese topping.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving to introduce a fresh pop of color and bright herbal flavor that lifts the richness of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a complete meal, but pairing it with a crisp, refreshing green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables adds textural interest and extra nutrition, balancing the richness flawlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your casserole even more inviting by serving it in individual ramekins for personal portions. This not only looks charming but also lets everyone enjoy a perfectly crispy cheesy top on every plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly or freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese topping crisps back up. Avoid microwaving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives a classic, sharp flavor, you can swap in mozzarella for a melty stretch, Monterey Jack for creaminess, or even a sharp Parmesan for a nutty twist.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes helps the texture remain smooth and prevents any tough skin in the final dish, but leaving the skin on can add rustic charm and extra fiber if you prefer.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and season them well to keep the savory depth.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese topping bubbly and golden brown, which typically takes about 40 to 45 minutes total baking.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, corn, or peas mix in beautifully with the beef and potatoes, adding color and a burst of different flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines comfort, simplicity, and deliciousness in every bite. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and special family dinners alike. I encourage you to try it soon and savor the cozy satisfaction it brings to your table.
Print
Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring layers of tender sliced Yukon Gold potatoes and savory seasoned ground beef, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that combines creamy, cheesy, and hearty elements baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Dried herbs (thyme or rosemary)
Potato Mixture
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat a bit of oil and cook the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned while breaking it up with a spoon. Season well with salt, pepper, and optional dried herbs.
- Prepare the potatoes: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes with whole milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the slices evenly.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the potato mixture at the bottom. Add half of the cooked ground beef mixture on top. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and flavor, but Russets can also work.
- Peel potatoes for a smoother texture, or leave skins on for added fiber and rustic look.
- Adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary enhances the flavor but is optional.
- For a richer dish, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up before serving.
