It’s 6pm and you need a dinner that feels like a hug.
If you’re craving something creamy, this Cheesy Ground Pork & Potato Bake is for you.
It is simple, filling, and works every single time.
Why You’ll Make This Again
This dish is the definition of comfort food for a chilly fall evening.
It combines juicy pork with tender potatoes and a rich cheese sauce.
You only need basic pantry staples to get this on the table.
Best of all, it is completely kid-approved and very budget-friendly.
How This Comes Together
You start by browning the meat with onions and garlic.
The homemade cheese sauce is the secret to the perfect texture.
You just layer everything in a dish and let the oven work.
It is a stress-free meal that feeds the whole family.
What You’ll Need
These simple ingredients create a massive amount of flavor.
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown ground pork, onion, and garlic in a skillet until cooked through.
- Drain the excess fat from the pork mixture.
- Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour for 60 seconds.
- Gradually whisk in milk, salt, pepper, and thyme until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese.
- Layer half the potatoes in the dish, then add the pork.
- Top with remaining potatoes and pour the cheese sauce over everything.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Add remaining cheese and paprika, then bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
How To Serve It
This Cheesy Ground Pork & Potato Bake is a complete meal alone.
I love serving it with a simple side of steamed broccoli.
A crisp green salad also helps balance the richness of the cheese.
It is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner with the family.
Leftovers & Storage
This casserole tastes even better the next day.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave easily.
For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
I do not recommend freezing this due to the potato texture.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Slice your potatoes very thin so they cook through evenly.
- Do not skip browning the pork for the best flavor profile.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder, more noticeable taste.
- If you are in a rush, use a mandoline for the potatoes.
- This is a great comfort food dish for rainy fall days.
- Top with fresh parsley at the end for a pop of color.
- You can swap ground pork for ground turkey if you prefer.
Easy Ways To Change It Up
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mix in some chopped spinach with the pork for extra greens.
- Try using smoked paprika for a deeper, woodsy flavor.
- Substitute sweet potatoes for a seasonal winter variation.
Quick Questions
Do I need to boil the potatoes first?
No, you do not need to boil them. Slicing them thin ensures they soften perfectly in the oven.
Can I use ground beef instead?
Yes, ground beef works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain the grease well.
Why is my sauce lumpy?
Whisk the milk in very slowly to avoid lumps. Keeping the heat at medium helps the roux incorporate smoothly.
I hope your family enjoys this hearty bake as much as mine does. It is the perfect way to end a long day. Happy cooking!
— Ethan
Cheesy Ground Pork & Potato Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Brown ground pork, onion, and garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat until pork is no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 60 seconds to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, salt, pepper, and thyme, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar until fully incorporated.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, followed by the pork mixture.
- Arrange the remaining potatoes on top and pour the cheese sauce evenly over the surface.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil, top with the remaining cheese and paprika, and bake for 15 additional minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden.
