Introduction
This Cheesy Beef and Scalloped Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Layers of tender sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy homemade sauce, and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese come together to create a hearty, satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole is rich, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors.
Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Servings | 8 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American Comfort Food |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole combines creamy potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and plenty of melted cheese in every delicious bite.
It’s made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find year-round.
The recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd and tastes even better as leftovers.
It’s an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
🥩 Beef Layer
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Ground beef | 1½ lbs (680 g) |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
🥔 Potato Layer
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Russet potatoes, thinly sliced | 2½ lbs (1.1 kg) |
🧀 Cream Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Whole milk | 2½ cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1½ cups |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
🌿 Garnish
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, then cook for another minute. Drain any excess fat.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
Cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in half of the cheddar, half of the mozzarella, and all of the Parmesan cheese until melted.
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish.
Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes.
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the beef.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Best Tips
Slice the potatoes evenly using a mandoline for consistent cooking.
Allow the casserole to rest before serving so the layers set properly.
Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded varieties.
Season every layer to build the best flavor.
Best Ingredient Options
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for an extra buttery texture.
Replace ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese.
Recipe Variations
Add crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.
Mix diced jalapeños into the beef for a spicy version.
Use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
Top with crispy fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking.
What to Serve With
A crisp green salad balances the richness.
Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Steamed broccoli or green beans make excellent side dishes.
Roasted carrots add natural sweetness to the meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Freezing
Freeze the fully baked and cooled casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid slicing the potatoes too thick, or they may not cook evenly.
Don’t skip resting the casserole before serving, as it helps the layers hold together.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Cover the casserole during most of the baking time to prevent the cheese from over-browning before the potatoes are tender.
Nutrition Estimate
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fat | 41 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 760 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I substitute another type of potato?
Yes. Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent alternative and provide a creamier texture.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze after baking and cooling, then thaw overnight before reheating.
How do I know when it’s done?
The potatoes should be fork-tender, the cheese should be bubbly and golden, and the casserole should be hot throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Scalloped Potato Casserole is a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. With layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden, bubbly topping, it’s a timeless comfort food recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.