Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and easy to pull off any night of the week. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the creamy, cheesy sauce melds with the tender potatoes and flavorful beef—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Keep reading, because I’ll walk you through every step to get this just right!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe all work beautifully together for a rich, satisfying meal. You’ll want to choose russet potatoes for their perfect starchy texture that softens nicely in the oven. Also, I recommend using lean ground beef to keep things flavorful but not greasy.

• Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for casseroles because they hold their shape yet get nice and tender—just make sure to dice them small for even cooking.
• Lean Ground Beef: Keeps the dish hearty without overwhelming grease; don’t skip draining excess fat if it’s too oily.
• Onion: Adds that savory base flavor which pairs so well with garlic and beef.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates the flavor—don’t use pre-minced from a jar for best results.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A quick and easy way to sneak in some nutrition and color.
• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: It’s a classic creamy base that adds the perfect umami richness.
• Milk: Use 2% for creaminess without being too heavy.
• Sour Cream: Gives a tangy, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and that little extra zing to the savory mix.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together beautifully.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best here — I like to add it in two stages for maximum gooeyness on top.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors; I sometimes swap in seasoning salts or spices for a flavor twist.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over time I’ve tried a few variations that add extra dimension or fit different diets—feel free to get creative!

• Add Some Heat: I discovered this trick when I sprinkled chili flakes or added diced jalapeños to the beef mixture—perfect if you like a little kick.
• Swap the Veggies: I often replace the frozen mix with fresh mushrooms and bell peppers for a fresher bite.
• Make it Low-Carb: You can swap potatoes for cauliflower florets for a lighter version that’s still cheesy and satisfying.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: A great way to lighten the dish but still keep that meaty texture.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer the Potatoes

Start by peeling and dicing your russet potatoes into roughly 1/3-inch cubes. This size cooks evenly and blends perfectly with the other ingredients. Toss them right into your greased 9×13 casserole dish. I’ve learned that keeping a consistent dice size here helps avoid overcooked or undercooked chunks.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Break up the meat with your spoon as it cooks, aiming for a nice golden brown all around—this takes around 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if you want a less greasy casserole; I usually do unless I’m feeling indulgent. Then stir in the minced garlic and frozen mixed veggies, cooking for a few more minutes so the garlic is fragrant and veggies start to thaw.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. This sauce is the magic that ties everything together with a silky, cheesy goodness. Pour it over the beef and potatoes and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Uncover and Cheese It Up

Cover your casserole tightly with foil and bake at 400°F for about 45 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook through without drying out the casserole. Afterward, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and slightly browns. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving—that pause lets the casserole set nicely, making it easier to scoop and way more delicious.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I often top this casserole with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and a little freshness against the rich, cheesy background. For extra zing, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of paprika adds lovely contrast and taste.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this are simple green salads dressed with vinaigrette or steamed broccoli—it balances the richness wonderfully. Sometimes I serve it alongside a warm crusty bread to mop up every bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own cheesy, bubbling portion which feels extra special. Another fun trick is to add a handful of crispy fried onions on top just before serving for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools down to room temp, I cover leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge. It typically stays great for up to 3-4 days. I always find the flavors even deepen after sitting a day, which is a nice bonus.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before popping into the freezer. It freezes beautifully and holds up well for about 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil (to keep it from drying out) and warm it in the oven at 350°F for around 20-25 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine, but oven reheating preserves that crispy cheese topping better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe has quickly become a staple in my house. It’s the kind of cozy, hearty meal that feels like a celebration of simple flavors coming together perfectly. I hope when you make it, you’ll enjoy it as much as my family does—they go crazy for those layers of cheesy goodness and tender potatoes every time. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, it’ll become your trusty go-to for a fuss-free, delicious dinner that hits all the right notes.

Print