Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a hearty, comforting meal that comes together in one dish, you’re going to love this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe. This recipe is one of those classics that just feels like a big, warm hug after a long day. I remember the first time I made it—my family couldn’t stop raving about how the creamy, cheesy sauce melded perfectly with savory ground beef and tender potatoes. Stick around, because I’m going to walk you through every step and share some insider tips to make sure your casserole turns out just right.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is how simple ingredients come together to create a rich, layered flavor. These staples are easy to find at your local store, and I’ve got some helpful tips to make sure you’re picking the best.

• Russet Potatoes: Make sure to peel and dice them into roughly 1/3 inch cubes so they cook evenly and get tender without turning mushy.
• Lean Ground Beef: I like 85% lean for good flavor without too much grease; you’ll want to drain excess fat after browning.
• Onion: Chopped finely to melt into the beef mixture and add a subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that aromatic punch; frozen garlic would work in a pinch, but fresh is best here.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Using a ready mix saves prep time, and the veggies add nice texture and color to the dish.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste; I’ll share a pro tip below on how to elevate this with other spices.
• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This keeps the casserole creamy and comforting—don’t skip it!
• Milk (2% recommended): Adds moisture and creaminess without being too heavy.
• Sour Cream: This ingredient adds tang and richness that pairs beautifully with the cheese and beef.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A little umami booster that deepens the overall flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings an herby background flavor—don’t worry, it’s subtle and kid-friendly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar if you want a bit more bite; half goes in the sauce and the rest melts on top for that gorgeous golden finish.

Variations

I love making this casserole exactly as written, but sometimes I like to mix things up depending on what we have on hand or the season. Feel free to play around with the ingredients to make the dish your own—it’s super forgiving and so versatile.

• Swap the Vegetables: I’ve swapped frozen mixed veggies for fresh sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms—adds a nice sweetness and earthiness.
• Change Up the Cheese: Mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack gives a gooey, melty twist that my kids actually ask for.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce. My family’s favorite is to serve it with taco sauce on the side.
• Make It Low-Carb: For a lighter version, swap potatoes for cauliflower florets—just steam them first to get similar tenderness.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes and Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (that high heat helps get the potatoes tender and golden). While it warms, peel and dice your russet potatoes into small, even cubes—about 1/3 inch in size. This size cooks just right without getting mushy. Toss those potatoes into a greased 9×13 casserole dish—this makes layering and baking super straightforward, plus it gives you a chance to grease the dish so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sweat the Onions

Next, heat a skillet over medium-high and add your ground beef and chopped onion. I like to use a wooden spoon to break the beef up as it cooks. This usually takes 8–10 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Don’t rush this step—it really develops the flavor base for your casserole. Once browned, drain any excess fat—your dish will be less greasy and more balanced that way.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Veggies

With the beef still sizzling, stir in the minced garlic and frozen mixed vegetables. The garlic should release its lovely aroma, and the vegetables will start to thaw and warm through, about 2-3 minutes. Stir often so everything cooks evenly. Season lightly with salt and pepper here, knowing you can adjust seasoning later in the casserole.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce and Assemble

In a separate bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. This luscious sauce is the glue that holds your casserole together. Pour it over the potatoes and beef mixture in the casserole dish, then gently stir to coat everything evenly. This is where you get to see how beautifully everything comes together.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Cover your casserole tightly with foil and pop it into the oven on the middle rack for 45 minutes. This steam bath helps the potatoes soften perfectly. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top. Return the dish uncovered to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. This melts and browns the cheese to that irresistible golden perfection. Before serving, let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set up so it slices nicely.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love sprinkling some fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce makes my family’s plates even happier—especially on a chilly evening!

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but I often serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance out the richness. A tangy coleslaw also pairs beautifully if you want something crunchy and refreshing on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins, layering a little extra cheese and herbs on top for a fancy touch. You can also sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions on top to really impress guests without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the casserole cools completely, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to develop.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking. To freeze pre-baked, assemble everything then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen but add extra baking time (about 20 minutes). Baked leftovers freeze well too—just portion into servings and freeze in airtight containers.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually use the oven at 350°F to keep the texture nice—cover with foil to keep moisture in and warm for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave works fine for a quick fix, but the oven preserves that cheesy, melty texture best.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those meals that’s fuss-free but still feels like a celebration on the plate. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, it’s reliable comfort food that’s full of flavor and texture. I’m confident you’ll find it becoming a go-to recipe in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. So grab your apron, get those potatoes diced, and let’s make some magic happen!

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