Are you in search of a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make meal that will have your entire family asking for seconds? Look no further than this delicious Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes recipe! Packed with savory ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is not only delicious but also budget-friendly. Whether you're making it for a cozy family dinner or preparing a dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Read on to discover all the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this comforting classic at home.
What is Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes?
Ground beef casserole with potatoes is a simple yet hearty dish that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, onions, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This comforting casserole is baked to perfection, with the cheese bubbling on top and the flavors melding together into a meal that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to potlucks, this casserole checks all the boxes!
Ingredients List for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes
Before we dive into the cooking process, let's first go over all the ingredients you'll need to make this dish. Having everything ready and prepped before you start will ensure the cooking process is smooth and stress-free.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 lbs potatoes (russets), peeled and sliced: These starchy potatoes will provide the perfect texture for layering in the casserole.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose high-quality ground beef to provide rich flavor and protein for the dish.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds a depth of flavor and a bit of sweetness to the casserole.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10 oz): This adds creaminess and flavor to the casserole base.
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz): Evaporated milk provides a creamy texture and enhances the richness of the dish.
- ½ cup regular milk: Adds additional creaminess to the sauce.
- 2 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the dish.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Adds a bit of spice and balances the flavors.
- 2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, creamy flavor to the casserole.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this casserole is its versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations you can make to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter alternative, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. This will still provide a satisfying flavor while cutting down on fat.
- Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or even hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant to make this casserole vegetarian.
- Add Veggies: For a nutrient boost, add some vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach into the beef mixture. This adds color and makes the dish more wholesome.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese to make this dish suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to the step-by-step instructions for preparing this delicious ground beef casserole with potatoes.

1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and achieves the perfect golden-brown top.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and slice the russet potatoes into thin, even slices. This will ensure they cook evenly in the casserole. You can use a mandolin slicer if you want perfectly uniform slices.
3. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks to ensure it crumbles evenly. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the cooked beef aside.
4. Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. If you prefer, you can sauté the onions with the ground beef to save time.
5. Make the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture will act as the base for your casserole and ensure it stays moist and flavorful.
6. Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, start by layering half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish. Then, spread half of the cooked ground beef and sautéed onions over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the top. Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used up. Finish with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Let it Rest
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this casserole is fairly straightforward, here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure the best results:
- Slicing the potatoes too thick: Thick potato slices may not cook evenly, leading to a casserole with some undercooked potatoes. Be sure to slice them thinly for even cooking.
- Not draining the ground beef: Excess fat from the beef can make the casserole greasy. Always drain the fat before assembling the casserole.
- Skipping the rest time: It’s important to let the casserole rest after baking to help the layers set and make it easier to cut and serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serving a casserole can be as simple or as elegant as you wish. Here are some serving and presentation ideas to elevate this dish:
How to Serve Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes
This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but you can pair it with a few side dishes to make it even more special. Serve it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Casserole
For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top of the casserole before serving. The bright green will contrast nicely with the golden-brown cheese and make the dish look even more inviting.
Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're hosting guests.
- Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Use Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can use other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but keep in mind that russets provide the best texture for this casserole.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make the casserole suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes recipe is the perfect solution for anyone looking to prepare a comforting, hearty meal for their family. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it ideal for busy weeknights, and the creamy layers of potatoes, beef, and cheese are sure to satisfy any appetite. Try this recipe tonight, and you’ll soon find it becoming a regular staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy!
PrintGround Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe
This Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish combining tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner. Keywords: ground beef casserole, potatoes, cheesy casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 diced onion
- 1 can cream of chicken (10 oz)
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Add diced onion and sauté until soft.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken, evaporated milk, regular milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
- Layer half the potatoes in the casserole dish. Add half the beef mixture and half the cheese.
- Pour half of the milk mixture over the top. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1100mg
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