Welcome to Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal: Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole!
This cheesy ground beef and potato casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, designed to take the stress out of weeknight cooking while delivering maximum flavor and comfort. It’s the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table without a fuss, much like a perfectly crispy air fryer fried chicken would. Prep: 30 mins, Cook: 75 mins, Total: 1 hour 45 minutes. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite:
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and rich, gooey cheddar cheese create a symphony of textures and flavors that will please even the pickiest eaters.
- Kid-Friendly & Family Approved: This casserole is a guaranteed hit with kids, making it a stress-free dinner option for busy parents.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Hearty & Satisfying: It’s a complete meal in one dish, perfect for fueling active families and keeping everyone full and happy.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef
- 1 finely diced yellow onion
- 4 pounds of russet potatoes (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces)
- 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
- One 10.75 ounce can of condensed cheddar soup
- One 12 ounce can of evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Utilize nonstick spray to coat a 9×13-inch baking dish comprehensively. Set aside.
- Meat Sauté: Place ground beef and diced onion into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, ensuring to break up the beef as it cooks. Upon completion, drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the cooked meat aside.
- Assembly of Layers: In the prepared baking dish, arrange a single layer of sliced potatoes. Season each layer with salt and pepper. Follow with a layer comprising 1/4 of the cooked beef and onion mixture, and then sprinkle 1/4 of the grated cheddar cheese over the beef. Repeat this layering process three more times, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Sauce Preparation: In a small mixing bowl, combine the condensed cheddar soup, evaporated milk, milk, and garlic powder. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Baking: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the assembled layers in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 60 minutes. After this initial baking period, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top layer is visibly golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serving: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to stand for several minutes before serving to ensure that it sets properly and is safe to consume.
Aisha’s Expert Tips for a Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Choosing and Prepping Your Potatoes
Russet potatoes are ideal for this potato casserole because their high starch content breaks down beautifully, creating a tender, creamy texture. While russets are preferred, you can also use Yukon Gold for a slightly richer, firmer potato or red potatoes if you prefer them to hold their shape even more. Ensure consistent slicing (1/4-inch thick) for even cooking; a mandoline can be a fantastic tool for achieving uniform slices quickly and safely.
Mastering the Ground Beef Browning
To achieve maximum flavor in your ground beef casserole, brown the ground beef thoroughly until it develops a deep, rich crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the beef in batches. This allows for proper browning rather than steaming. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pan. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole and allows the other flavors to shine. Using a meat chopper can help break up the beef evenly for consistent browning. (Affiliate link: Our favorite cast iron skillet for browning beef!)
Grating Your Own Cheese
For a superior melt and texture, always grate your own cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly and evenly, leading to a less gooey and satisfying cheese layer in your casserole.
Substitutions and Variations for Your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
| Component | Substitution/Variation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | Yukon Gold, Red Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes | Yukon Golds offer a creamier texture; Red potatoes hold their shape well. Sweet potatoes add a different flavor profile; adjust baking time if needed. |
| Ground Beef | Ground Turkey, Ground Chicken, Sausage | Lighter alternatives. For turkey/chicken, consider adding extra seasoning to boost flavor. Cook sausage similarly, draining fat. |
| Cheese | Monterey Jack, Colby, Mozzarella, Parmesan | Experiment with different melting cheeses or add a sprinkle of Parmesan for a sharper bite. |
| Vegetables | Frozen mixed vegetables, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach | Add 1-2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables (thawed) or sautéed fresh vegetables (like diced bell peppers or mushrooms) with the onion. Stir in fresh spinach towards the end of beef cooking. |
| Sauce | From-Scratch Cream Sauce Alternative: 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup flour, 2 cups milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, 1.5 cups grated cheese. | Melt butter, whisk in flour for 1 min. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Season. Stir in cheese until melted. Use instead of condensed soup/evaporated milk mixture. |
| Flavor Boosters | Smoked paprika, dried Italian herbs, a dash of hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce | Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, or 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce to the beef while browning. A few dashes of hot sauce can be added to the sauce mixture for a kick. |
| Healthier Option | Leaner ground meat, low-sodium soup, lighter milk, extra veggies | Use 93/7 lean ground beef, choose a low-sodium condensed soup, and use 1% or skim milk. Boost vegetable content significantly. |
| Gluten-Free | GF condensed soup (if available), or use GF flour for from-scratch sauce | If using the from-scratch sauce, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are GF. |
| Dairy-Free | Dairy-free cheese shreds, dairy-free milk, dairy-free cream of mushroom soup | Use plant-based cheese shreds, unsweetened plain dairy-free milk (e.g., almond, oat), and a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup substitute (or make a DF béchamel). |
Make Ahead & Meal Prep Tips for Your Ground Beef Casserole
For those busy evenings, having options like this casserole or quick garlic butter steak bites prepared ahead can be a game-changer. You can assemble the entire casserole (up to Step 4) and cover it tightly with foil before refrigerating for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time. This casserole also freezes beautifully, both cooked and uncooked. To freeze uncooked, assemble as directed, cover tightly with foil, then wrap in plastic wrap before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual. To freeze a cooked casserole, allow it to cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers for individual servings, or freeze the entire casserole covered. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
What to Serve with Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
While this casserole is a complete meal, a simple green salad or a light fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast. Consider serving with steamed green beans, broccoli, or a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. For other quick and easy meal ideas, explore our blog!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
To safely store leftover cheesy ground beef and potato casserole, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat individual portions, cover and microwave on medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry. For larger portions or the entire casserole, reheat in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C), covered with foil, until heated through, typically 20-30 minutes for refrigerated, or longer for frozen (thawed overnight first).
Troubleshooting Common Casserole Issues
If your potatoes are not cooked through, it might be due to uneven slicing or insufficient baking time. Ensure all potato slices are uniformly 1/4-inch thick for even cooking. You can also par-boil the potatoes slightly before assembling the casserole to guarantee tenderness. If your casserole is too dry, it could be that too much liquid evaporated during baking; ensure your dish is covered tightly with foil for the initial baking period. If it’s too soupy, it might be due to excess moisture from the vegetables or not enough thickener in the sauce. Allowing it to rest after baking can help it set. If the cheese didn’t melt properly, ensure you’re using freshly grated cheese and that the oven temperature is consistent. Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that hinder melting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?
How do I know if the potatoes are cooked through?
Can I add different seasonings to the ground beef?
Why is my casserole watery?
Conclusion
This cheesy ground beef and potato casserole is truly a triumph of simple, comforting home cooking, promising a delicious and fuss-free meal any night of the week. Its ease of preparation, crowd-pleasing flavors, and satisfying heartiness make it an instant family favorite. We hope you’ll give this incredible recipe a try and experience the joy it brings to your dinner table!
We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below with your own tips, ask any lingering questions, or share photos of your delicious casserole on social media using #AishaRecipesCasserole. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more quick and comforting recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and thoroughly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper until the beef is browned; then drain any excess fat.
- Assemble the casserole by layering sliced potatoes seasoned with salt and pepper, followed by 1/4 of the cooked beef mixture and 1/4 of the grated cheddar cheese, repeating this process three more times.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar soup, evaporated milk, milk, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the assembled layers in the baking dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake for 60 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to stand for several minutes before serving to ensure proper setting.
