Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe
There’s something about casseroles that brings back childhood memories of cozy weeknights, especially when mom had dinner ready and the house smelled like pure comfort. This Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe was one of her go-to meals—and now, it’s one of mine, too. It’s warm, hearty, and has that classic meat-and-potatoes combo that fills you up in the best way. Whenever I make it for Sultan, he always sneaks back for seconds—sometimes thirds!
The Story Behind This Casserole
I first started making this recipe during my early days of married life when I was learning to balance quick meals with real flavor. Inspired by traditional Midwestern casseroles, I tweaked the classic version to make it simpler and more flavorful, layering seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and a creamy, cheesy sauce that melts right into every bite. It’s the perfect in-between of homemade love and easy weeknight convenience.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Dish
It’s no-fail. Seriously! This simple Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe is the one I pull out when I need dinner on the table fast but still want something that feels special. It uses pantry staples, it’s budget-friendly, and the cleanup is minimal. Plus, it’s super kid-approved!
What Makes This Ground Beef Casserole So Special?
Layers of flavor – seasoned beef, buttery potatoes, and creamy cheese
One-pan wonder – everything bakes in a single dish
Totally customizable – you can swap, stretch, or spice it up
Freezer-friendly – make it ahead and reheat later
Feels like comfort, tastes like home
And of course, it’s a great base for testing out ideas from my Ingredient Substitution Finder!
Here’s What You’ll Need
- A 9×13 baking dish
- A skillet for browning ground beef
- A mandoline or sharp knife to slice the potatoes evenly
- Mixing bowls
- Aluminum foil
Secret Tips to Make It Perfect
- Par-cook the potatoes in the microwave or stove for 3–5 minutes to guarantee they soften in the oven.
- Season in layers-don’t just rely on the sauce. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to each potato layer for balanced flavor.
- Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for that gooey cheese pull on top.
- Let it rest 10 minutes before serving-trust me, it tastes better when the flavors settle!
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don’t slice the potatoes too thick-they won’t cook through.
- Avoid overcooking the beef; it can dry out during baking.
- Don’t skip the foil in the first half of baking-it helps steam the layers evenly.
Make It Your Own: Swaps & Customizations
Want to give it a twist? Here are a few ideas:
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Add in chopped spinach, peas, or corn for extra veggies
- Go Tex-Mex with a sprinkle of taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese
- Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more nutrient-rich version
- Make it low-carb by swapping potatoes with thin-sliced zucchini
Your Questions, Answered (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
What kind of potatoes work best?
I like Yukon golds or Russets-just slice them thin for even baking.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Bake it first, cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
What sides go well with this?
Try a crisp green salad or roasted green beans. It’s a complete meal, so just something fresh on the side works great.
How do I double it?
Use two baking dishes and bake them side by side. No need to change the cooking time!
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe is a real weekday hero – cozy, comforting, and easy enough for beginners, yet hearty enough to make over and over. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want delicious leftovers for lunch the next day, this one is a keeper. And if you’re the kind of cook who likes to improvise, this is the perfect recipe for you. Want another easy dinner idea? Try my Ground Beef and Broccoli Recipe—it’s fast, flavorful, and just as satisfying.
Give the Recipe Converter Tool a try to change the serving size for a crowd or a smaller dinner.
So grab your casserole dish, slice those potatoes thin, and get ready to dig into one of my favorite comfort meals.
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
For the Potato Layer
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prep and Cook the Beef
- Step 1In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano until browned. Drain excess fat. Set aside.
- Slice and Par-Cook Potatoes
- Step 2Wash and thinly slice the potatoes. Microwave or steam for 3–5 minutes until just tender. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Sauce
- Step 3In a bowl, mix sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, paprika, and onion powder until smooth.
- Layer the Casserole
- Step 4Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Add half the sliced potatoes, then layer half the beef mixture. Pour half the sauce over. Repeat the layers.
- Add the Topping
- Step 5Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake
- Step 6Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let It Rest & Serve
- Step 7Allow to sit 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
