Before we jump into the gooey, golden goodness—thank you for being here. 💛 Recipes like this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole remind me why I love sharing comfort food so much. It’s rich, hearty, and filled with everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
It’s one of those classic, family-style dishes that fills your kitchen with the most incredible smell—melting cheese, savory beef, and tender potatoes all baking together in a bubbling masterpiece. Anything but boring!!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🥔 Simple, classic comfort food: Layers of cheesy potatoes and beef baked until bubbly and golden.
🧀 Cheesy to the max: A blend of cheddar cheese and creamy cheese soup makes every bite rich and satisfying.
👨👩👧👦 Family favorite: Feeds a crowd and perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners.
🕒 Easy prep: Uses pantry staples and simple steps—no fancy tools required!
What It Tastes Like
This casserole is the definition of comfort. The potatoes turn tender and creamy, the beef adds a hearty, savory base, and the layers of melted cheddar tie everything together. The cheese sauce seeps into every bite, making it creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
The top? Perfectly golden and bubbly. The edges? Slightly crispy and irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb ground beef, crumbled
1 yellow onion, diced
3–4 lbs potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
8 oz (or more) cheddar cheese, shredded
1 can cheddar cheese soup mix
12 oz evaporated milk (or whole milk)
½ cup regular milk
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet (for browning beef and onions)
Sharp knife + cutting board (for slicing potatoes)
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowl (for cheese sauce)
Aluminum foil
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
💡 Add veggies: Layer in corn, green beans, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
💡 Meat swap: Ground turkey or sausage works beautifully too.
💡 Cheese options: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a twist.
💡 Make it spicy: Stir a bit of Cajun seasoning or diced jalapeños into the beef mixture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet, sauté the diced onion and ground beef over medium heat until the meat is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Slice the Potatoes
Peel and cut potatoes into ¼-inch slices. (A mandoline makes this super quick and even!)
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Place one layer of potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
Spread ⅓ of the beef mixture over the potatoes.
Add ⅓ of the shredded cheese.
Repeat layers two more times, finishing with cheese on top.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, and ½ cup milk. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if you’d like a bit more flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the sauce evenly over the layered casserole. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
(If your potato slices are thicker, you may need an extra 10–15 minutes of baking.)
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps the layers set beautifully. Then dig in and enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!
Serving Suggestions
A simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Steamed broccoli or green beans for a wholesome side.
A warm buttery roll to soak up that cheesy sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
⭐ Slice potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly.
⭐ Don’t skip the rest time! It helps the sauce thicken.
⭐ Shred your own cheese – it melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
⭐ Cover with foil first so the potatoes cook through before the cheese browns.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F until warm or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
General Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I skip the cheese soup?
You can replace it with 1 cup heavy cream mixed with 1 tablespoon flour and a bit of shredded cheese—it’ll still be creamy and delicious.
Q: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Insert a knife into the center—if it slides in easily, they’re perfectly tender.
Q: Can I add bacon?
Oh yes, and you absolutely should! Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top for an extra punch of flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 480
Protein: 29g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is comfort food at its best—creamy, cheesy, and wonderfully hearty. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the table and makes you feel right at home.
Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or chilly evenings when you want something cozy and satisfying. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, it’ll become a regular on your dinner rotation!
💬 I’d love to see your casserole creations!
Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or tag me on Pinterest to share your delicious version. Let’s spread the cheesy love!
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