Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

When you’re craving comfort food that brings the whole family together, nothing beats a hearty Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes. This one-dish wonder combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese into a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

I’ve perfected this recipe over the years, and it never fails to deliver that home-cooked comfort we all crave. Let’s dive into creating this delicious casserole that will become a staple in your recipe collection.

What is “Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes”?

Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is a classic American comfort food dish that layers seasoned ground beef with thinly sliced or diced potatoes, vegetables, and cheese, all baked together in one convenient dish. This hearty casserole is known for its simplicity, affordability, and ability to feed a crowd.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility – you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, seasonings, and cheese varieties. It’s essentially a complete meal in one pan, making cleanup a breeze while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
6-8 medium russet or Yukon potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking spray for greasing

How to Cook Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this satisfying casserole is straightforward, but following these detailed steps will ensure perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Kitchen and Ingredients:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
Cook for 8-10 minutes until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains.
Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream.
Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and the frozen mixed vegetables.
Mix everything together until evenly distributed.

4. Layer the Casserole:

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an overlapping pattern in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over the beef layer.
Layer the remaining potato slices on top, creating an attractive overlapping pattern.
Pour the remaining sauce over the final potato layer, ensuring even coverage.

5. Bake to Perfection:

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and check if the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
If needed, continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are fully cooked.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

6. Rest and Serve:

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped chives for color and added flavor.
Cut into squares and serve hot.

Substitutions and Variations

This versatile recipe adapts well to different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some excellent substitutions and variations to try:

Ground Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork for different flavor profiles. You can also use a mixture of meats for added complexity.
Potato Varieties: While russet potatoes work beautifully, you can use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture or red potatoes for a firmer bite. Sweet potatoes make an interesting and nutritious alternative.
Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, sharp cheddar, or even a Mexican blend for varied flavors.
Vegetable Additions: Fresh or frozen broccoli, green beans, bell peppers, or mushrooms can replace or supplement the mixed vegetables.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of sour cream, and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Lower Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower slices or zucchini rounds for a keto-friendly version.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common pitfalls:

Slicing Potatoes Too Thick: Thick potato slices won’t cook evenly and may remain hard. Aim for consistent ¼-inch slices for best results.
Not Draining the Beef: Excess grease will make your casserole soggy and greasy. Always drain thoroughly after browning.
Undercooking the Potatoes: Test the potatoes with a fork before adding the final cheese layer. They should be tender but not mushy.
Overcrowding the Pan: If doubling the recipe, use two separate dishes rather than one oversized pan to ensure even cooking.
Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut clean portions.

How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes

This hearty casserole works beautifully as a complete meal, but you can enhance the dining experience with these serving suggestions:

Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans provide a nice color contrast and additional nutrition. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread make excellent sides for soaking up any extra sauce.

For beverages, consider serving with iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer. The casserole is filling enough to be the star of the meal, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes

Make your casserole as visually appealing as it is delicious with these presentation tips:

Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh chopped chives, parsley, or green onions add a pop of color against the golden cheese top.
Serve in Individual Portions: For special occasions, consider making individual casseroles in ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Add Texture Contrast: A sprinkle of crispy fried onions or crushed crackers on top before the final baking adds visual interest and texture.
Color Coordination: Use colorful vegetables in your mix to create visual appeal when the casserole is cut and served.

Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe Tips

Here are my tried-and-true tips for casserole success:

Prep Ahead: You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.
Even Cooking: Use a mandoline slicer or sharp knife to ensure uniform potato slices for even cooking throughout.
Flavor Enhancement: Let the seasoned ground beef cool slightly before layering to prevent the heat from wilting other ingredients.
Cheese Distribution: Save some cheese for the final layer to create that beautiful golden top that makes this dish so appealing.
Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

How to Store Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftovers safely and deliciously:

Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature, but don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, this casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Q: What’s the best type of potato to use?
A: Russet potatoes work best because they hold their shape well and have a fluffy texture when baked. Yukon Gold potatoes are also excellent for a creamier result.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute. You may want to add a bit more seasoning since turkey is milder than beef. Make sure to cook it thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature.

Q: How do I know when the casserole is done?
A: The potatoes should be fork-tender, the cheese should be melted and golden, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The edges may bubble slightly.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or any of your favorite vegetables work well. Just make sure to pre-cook any vegetables that take longer to cook than the potatoes.

Q: Why are my potatoes still hard after baking?
A: This usually happens when the potato slices are too thick or the oven temperature is too low. Make sure slices are ¼-inch thick and the oven is properly preheated to 375°F.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes is the epitome of comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. This hearty, satisfying dish combines simple ingredients into something truly special that everyone will love. The layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

I’ve found that this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly practical for busy families. It’s economical, feeds a crowd, and the leftovers are just as good as the original meal. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or hosting a family gathering, this casserole delivers every time.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different vegetables, seasonings, or cheese varieties. The basic technique remains the same, but your personal touches will make it uniquely yours. Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes a beloved recipe in your family’s collection!