Introduction
This Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dinner made with tender sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese.
The potatoes become wonderfully tender as they bake, while the ground beef adds savory flavor and the golden cheese topping creates an irresistible finish.
This easy ground beef casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, and cozy weekend meals.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it is an affordable comfort food recipe that the whole family can enjoy.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
| Recipe | Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 60–70 minutes |
| Total Time | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Servings | 6–8 |
| Oven Temperature | 375°F (190°C) |
| Baking Dish | 9 × 13-inch |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Main Ingredients | Potatoes, ground beef, cheese |
| Cooking Method | Oven-baked |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesy potato casserole combines tender potatoes and seasoned ground beef with a rich, creamy sauce and golden melted cheese.
It is filling enough to serve as a complete family dinner without requiring complicated ingredients or advanced cooking techniques.
The thinly sliced potatoes absorb the savory flavors from the beef and creamy sauce while becoming soft and tender during baking.
The melted cheese on top adds a delicious golden crust that makes every serving extra comforting.
This recipe is also easy to customize with different cheeses, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings.
Ingredients
For the Ground Beef
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Ground beef | 1½ lb (680 g) |
| Yellow onion, finely diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | ¾ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Dried thyme | ½ tsp |
| Dried oregano | ½ tsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
For the Potatoes
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes | 2½ lb (1.1 kg) |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
For the Creamy Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp |
| Whole milk | 2 cups (480 ml) |
| Beef or chicken broth | ½ cup (120 ml) |
| Sour cream | ½ cup (120 g) |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
For the Cheese Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | 1½ cups (170 g) |
| Monterey Jack cheese, shredded | 1 cup (115 g) |
| Parmesan cheese | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Set the dish aside while you prepare the ingredients.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes if desired and slice them very thinly, approximately ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.
Try to keep the slices similar in thickness so they cook evenly.
Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl and season lightly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Set aside.
3. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook for approximately 7–9 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
4. Season the Beef
Add the minced garlic, paprika, thyme, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for approximately 1 minute.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Add the broth and continue cooking for 3–5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Remove from the heat and whisk in the sour cream and Dijon mustard.
Season with salt and black pepper.
The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
6. Start Layering
Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Arrange approximately one-third of the sliced potatoes in an even layer.
Spread one-third of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
Add some shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
7. Continue the Layers
Repeat the layers with more potatoes, ground beef, creamy sauce, and cheese.
Continue until all the ingredients have been used.
Finish with a generous layer of creamy sauce and shredded cheese on top.
Sprinkle Parmesan over the surface for additional flavor and browning.
8. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 40 minutes.
The foil traps steam and helps the potatoes cook until tender.
9. Remove the Foil
Carefully remove the aluminum foil.
Return the casserole to the oven and continue baking uncovered for another 20–25 minutes.
The potatoes should be completely tender and the cheese should be bubbling and golden brown.
10. Brown the Top
For a deeper golden crust, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes.
Watch the casserole closely because the cheese can burn quickly under the broiler.
11. Rest Before Serving
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10–15 minutes.
This resting time allows the creamy sauce to thicken slightly and makes the casserole easier to slice and serve.
12. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.
Serve warm with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted vegetables.
Best Tips
Slice the potatoes evenly. Thin, uniform slices cook more consistently and create a smoother casserole.
Do not skip covering the casserole during the first part of baking. The trapped steam helps soften the potatoes.
Make sure the ground beef is well browned before layering it into the casserole. Browning creates much deeper flavor than simply cooking the meat until gray.
Avoid making the sauce excessively thick because the potatoes need moisture while baking.
Allow the finished casserole to rest before cutting. This helps the layers hold together and prevents the sauce from running across the plate.
For the best golden crust, uncover the casserole during the final 20–25 minutes of baking.
Best Ingredient Options
Yukon Gold potatoes provide a naturally buttery texture and hold their shape well.
Russet potatoes are another excellent choice because their starch helps create a thicker, creamier casserole.
Sharp cheddar gives the dish a strong cheesy flavor, while Monterey Jack melts beautifully.
You can substitute Gruyère, Gouda, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Ground turkey or ground chicken can replace the beef if preferred.
Fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, or chives can be used instead of dried herbs.
Recipe Variations
Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole
Add 6–8 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon between the potato layers for a smoky, savory flavor.
Mushroom and Beef Potato Casserole
Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions before adding the ground beef.
Spicy Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or Pepper Jack cheese for extra heat.
Loaded Potato Casserole
Add cooked bacon, green onions, cheddar cheese, and a little extra sour cream for a loaded baked potato flavor.
Vegetable Beef Casserole
Add cooked bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli between the layers.
Make sure vegetables with high water content are cooked and drained first.
Chicken Potato Casserole
Replace the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken and use chicken broth in the creamy sauce.
What to Serve With
This ground beef potato casserole is rich and satisfying, so a fresh green salad makes an excellent side dish.
Steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or roasted carrots provide a lighter vegetable option.
For a complete comfort-food dinner, serve it with warm dinner rolls and a simple cucumber salad.
A spoonful of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh green onions can also be added just before serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The ground beef mixture can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
The creamy sauce can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container.
For best results, assemble the casserole on the day you plan to bake it so the raw potatoes do not sit in the sauce for too long.
If assembling several hours ahead, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Add approximately 10 minutes to the covered baking time if the casserole is going directly from the refrigerator to the oven.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keep the casserole refrigerated and reheat only the portion you plan to eat.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat individual portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 15–20 minutes.
Cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from becoming too dark.
For a quick option, microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, checking and stirring the center if necessary.
The oven method provides a better texture and helps restore some of the golden cheese topping.
Freezing
This casserole can be frozen, although the creamy sauce may change slightly in texture after thawing.
Allow the fully cooked casserole to cool completely.
Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating at 350°F (175°C) until heated throughout.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid slicing the potatoes too thickly. Thick slices can remain firm while the cheese and beef are already browned.
Do not skip the first covered baking stage because the potatoes need steam and moisture to become tender.
Avoid using excessive liquid in the sauce. Too much liquid can make the casserole watery.
Do not leave large pieces of ground beef throughout the casserole. Breaking the beef into small crumbles helps distribute it evenly between the potato layers.
Avoid adding cheese only to the very top. Layering cheese throughout the casserole gives every serving a better balance of flavor.
Do not cut the casserole immediately after removing it from the oven. Resting allows the creamy layers to settle.
Nutrition Estimate
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Total Fat | 32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 760 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ground beef, cheese, potatoes, sauce, and portion size used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of potatoes are best for this casserole?
Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes both work very well. Yukon Gold potatoes create a creamy, buttery texture, while Russets produce a slightly starchier sauce.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey is an easy substitute. You can use the same amount and season it generously.
Can I make this casserole without sour cream?
Yes. Replace the sour cream with heavy cream, plain Greek yogurt, or additional milk.
Why are my potatoes still hard?
The potatoes may have been sliced too thickly, or the casserole may need additional baking time. Cover the dish again and bake until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, peas, and zucchini can all work well.
Cook watery vegetables before adding them to prevent excess moisture.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, although freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake the next day, allowing additional cooking time because the casserole will be chilled.
How do I get a crispy golden cheese topping?
Bake the casserole uncovered during the final stage and briefly broil it for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool them completely, wrap them well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a comforting homemade dinner that combines everything you want in an easy family meal.
Tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese create layers of rich, savory flavor.
The golden cheese topping makes the dish especially inviting, while fresh parsley adds a bright finishing touch.
Whether you are looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a make-ahead casserole, or a hearty comfort food recipe, this cheesy potato bake is a delicious choice.