Are you looking for a simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly dinner option that the whole family will enjoy? Look no further than this Easy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole. This warm, cheesy, and creamy dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also brings everyone to the dinner table with smiles.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student cooking on a budget, or someone looking for a comforting meal after a long day, this recipe checks every box. With tender potatoes, juicy ground beef, and melty cheese all layered together, it’s everything you love about home-cooked meals—made simple.
2. Why This Casserole is a Winner
Let’s face it—weeknight dinners can be stressful. That’s where this dish shines. Here’s what makes it a must-have in your weekly rotation:
- Affordable Ingredients: Everything used is pantry or fridge staple.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pan for the beef, one dish for the oven—done!
- Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike devour it.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for storing and reheating later.
3. Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients with possible substitutions if you want to switch things up:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef – You can also use ground turkey or chicken.
- 4 medium potatoes – Thinly sliced. Yukon Gold or Russet are ideal.
- 1 small onion – Finely chopped for a savory base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic – Crushed or finely minced.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – You can also use mozzarella or pepper jack.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Adds richness and binds the casserole.
- 1/2 cup milk – Whole or 2% milk preferred.
- Olive oil or butter – For greasing and sautéing.
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika – Adds a hint of smoky flavor.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme – Optional, but adds a subtle earthy note.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
4. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps for a foolproof result:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Wash and peel the potatoes.
- Thinly slice the potatoes using a knife or mandoline (1/8 inch thick).
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add ground beef. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix well.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with oil or butter.
- Layer half the potatoes on the bottom.
- Spread half the beef mixture over them.
- Pour half the soup mixture.
- Repeat the layers. Finish with shredded cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
5. Flavor Variations and Customizations
Want to get creative? Here’s how to customize:
Cheese Variations
- Use a three-cheese blend for extra richness.
- Add cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce.
Vegetable Add-Ins
- Sautéed mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers.
- Frozen mixed veggies for convenience.
Swap the Protein
- Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well.
Add a Crunchy Topping
- Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking.
6. Nutritional Breakdown and Health Tips (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 18% DV
Health Tips:
- Use lean ground beef (90% or more) to reduce fat.
- Replace regular cheese with low-fat cheese.
- Use sweet potatoes for more fiber and vitamins.
7. Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Reheat in microwave (covered) for 2–3 minutes.
- Or reheat in oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tip
- Assemble casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked for 24 hours.
8. What to Serve With This Casserole
Complement your main dish with:
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread
- Pickled vegetables
- Chili sauce or ketchup for dipping
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole without canned soup?
Yes! Mix 1 cup of homemade white sauce (butter, flour, milk) and add mushrooms if desired.
Q: Can I make it in the slow cooker?
Absolutely. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, use thawed frozen hash browns as a shortcut.
10. Expert Cooking Tips
- Use a mandoline for even potato slices.
- Cover with foil to keep moisture in while baking.
- Let it rest before serving so the layers hold together.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor.
11. How to Scale for Large Families or Gatherings
Double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan. Add an extra 15–20 minutes to baking time (covered) and uncover for the last 20 minutes.
12. Kid-Friendly Tips
- Use mild cheddar or mozzarella.
- Hide vegetables like shredded carrots or zucchini in the meat mix.
- Serve with a fun sauce like ketchup or ranch.
13. Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Adjustments
Gluten-Free
- Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or homemade version.
- Double-check your seasoning labels for gluten.
Dairy-Free
- Use dairy-free cheese and milk (almond or oat).
- Use a dairy-free mushroom soup alternative or coconut cream.
14. Reader’s Review Corner
“This was a hit! My picky eaters loved it, and I loved how easy it was.” – Sana K.
“I meal-prepped this for the week and it reheats perfectly.” – James H.
15. Final Thoughts
The Easy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a reliable solution for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, and everything in between. Its comforting flavors, simple ingredients, and versatility make it a favorite in homes everywhere.
Once you try it, you’ll come back to this dish again and again. Customize it, make it your own, and most importantly—enjoy it with people you love.
16. Printable Recipe Card
🧾 Easy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 6
Author: Elena Cooks
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp each: salt, pepper, paprika, thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Add and brown ground beef; drain fat.
- Stir in seasonings.
- Mix soup and milk.
- Layer potatoes, beef, soup. Repeat.
- Top with cheese. Cover with foil.
- Bake 45 min at 375°F, uncover and bake 15 more.
- Cool slightly, garnish, and serve.
