Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

If you’re craving something creamy and comforting on a chilly evening, you are in the right place. This cheesy beef and potato casserole is a complete meal in one dish. It is simple, filling, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Too tired to cook something complicated? This recipe works every single time. It delivers big flavor without requiring hours of work in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Make This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Again

This dish is the definition of comfort food for the cold winter months. Your family will love the creamy cheddar sauce and tender potato layers. It is a reliable recipe that never fails to satisfy hungry kids and adults alike.

You only need about 20 minutes of active prep time. Once it is in the oven, you can relax while it bakes. It is the perfect solution for a stress-free family dinner on a busy night.

How This Comes Together

You start by browning the beef and slicing your potatoes thin. The homemade cheese sauce comes together quickly on the stove. Layering everything in one dish makes the baking process completely effortless for any home cook. Even beginners can master this savory meal with ease.

What You’ll Need

These simple ingredients create a rich and satisfying flavor profile. Most of these are kitchen staples you probably have right now.

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Step-By-Step Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion until cooked. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute before draining excess grease.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 60 seconds to form a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens and reaches a simmer.
5. Remove from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of cheddar, salt, pepper, and paprika.
6. Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer in the baking dish.
7. Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture over the first layer of potatoes.
8. Place the remaining potato slices over the beef layer.
9. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the entire casserole.
10. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
11. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake for 15 more minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve this piping hot while the cheese is still bubbly and delicious. It goes great with a simple green salad or roasted broccoli. This is perfect for a cozy Sunday dinner with your family. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Leftovers & Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to three days. This dish is actually great for meal prep as the flavors develop. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and easy lunch. You can also reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350 degrees.

Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)

• Don’t skip peeling the potatoes for the smoothest possible texture.
• Avoid slicing potatoes too thick or they will not cook through properly.
• Use a mandoline slicer to get perfectly even potato slices very fast.
• Make this for a neighborhood potluck and watch it disappear first.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a tiny kick.
• Let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving to set the sauce.

Easy Ways to Change It Up

• Add a layer of steamed broccoli for some extra hidden vegetables.
• Swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese to give it a spicy flavor.
• Sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top during the final baking step.
• Use ground turkey instead of beef for a slightly lighter meal option.

Quick Questions

What are the best potatoes to use?

Russet potatoes are best because their starch helps thicken the sauce. They become perfectly tender during the long baking process in the oven.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the layers and sauce a few hours early. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

I hope your family enjoys this cozy meal as much as mine does. It is the ultimate way to end a long day. Give it a try tonight!

— Ethan

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion , diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all -purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon sal t
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprik a

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion until the beef is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute before draining excess grease.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 60 seconds to form a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens and reaches a light simmer.
5. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until the cheese is completely melted.
6. Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture over the first layer of potatoes.
8. Place the remaining potato slices over the beef layer.
9. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the entire casserole.
10. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
11. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of cheese on top, and bake for another 15 minutes until potatoes are soft and the top is golden brown.