Ground beef and potato casserole is an old time meal that`s been making people happy for a lot of years . It mixes ground beef , potatoes , and melted cheese so well that it tаstеs great and feels warm in your belly . You can eat it on cold nights or when you`re really busy , and everyone from kids to grownups seems to love it . It`s easy to throw together and has become a go-to dish in many homes around the world .

Casseroles are famous for being simple to make and for feeding a bunch of folks at once . You can put one together ahead of time , so on a hectic day you just pop it in the oven . The real draw isn`t only the taste but how little work it takes — perfect for potlucks , family dinners , or when you `re short on time .

Here we`ll walk you through how to make the best ground beef and potato casserole step-by-step . You`ll learn about the main ingredients and why they`re good for you , plus tips on how to bake it just right . Whether you`re new at cooking or you`ve made casseroles before , you`ll find ideas to switch up the flavors and make this recipe your own .

I. Ingredients Needed for Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

To make a great ground beef and potato casserole , having the right ingredients makes all the difference . Below are the main items you need , plus some extras you might want to try . We`ll also cover a bit about what each thing brings to the table nutrition-wise .

A. Main Ingredients

Ground Beef: The most important part of this meal — it gives rich flavor and plenty of protein .
Potatoes: They give the dish body and a soft texture . Russet or Yukon Gold work best , because they get tender as they bake .
Onion: Chopped onion adds a sweet depth of flavor when you cook it with the beef .
Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella melt smooth and add creaminess on top .
Cream or Broth: A little liquid helps the potatoes cook through and keeps the casserole from drying out .

B. Optional Ingredients

Vegetables: Peas , corn , or carrots can add color and nutrients .
Seasonings: A sprinkle of garlic powder , paprika , salt , and pepper boosts flavor .
Toppings: Bread crumbs or fresh parsley lend a crunchy or fresh finish .

C. Nutritional Information

Knowing what`s in your casserole helps you make smart choices . Here`s a quick look :

Calories: About 400-500 per serving , depending on exactly what you use .
Macros: Roughly 25 g of protein , 30 g of carbs , and 20 g of fat — a decent balance for a main dish .

II. How to Prepare the Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Follow these steps to get a tasty casserole every time . It`s easy if you do your prep first .

A. Preparation Steps

Before you start baking , make sure everything is ready :

Chop and Slice: Cut the onion and any veggies you want. Peel and slice potatoes into thin rounds so they cook evenly .
Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat , cook the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until it`s no longer pink . Drain off extra fat so the casserole isn`t greasy .
Mix Ingredients: In a big bowl , stir together the cooked beef , sliced potatoes , onions , cream or broth , and seasonings . If you`re using veggies , toss them in now .

B. Baking Instructions

Once everything`s mixed , it`s time to bake :

Preheat Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C) so it`s ready when you are .
Fill the Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole pan and spread it out .
Bake: Cook uncovered for 45-55 minutes . You want the potatoes soft and the cheese on top to turn golden .
Check Doneness: The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbling and you can poke the potatoes easily with a fork .

C. Tips for Perfect Casserole

Layering: Put potatoes , then beef , then cheese in layers so every bite has all the flavors .
Potato Prep: Thin slices help them cook faster — thicker ones might still be hard in the middle .
Make Ahead: You can assemble it a day early , cover it , and keep it in the fridge . Bake when you`re ready .

III. Variations of Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Want to try something different ? Here are some ways to change up the classic recipe :

A. Different Cheese Options

Cheddar: Sharp flavor that stands out .
Mozzarella: Melts super stretchy and mild .
Vegan Cheese: Try plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version .

B. Adding Vegetables

Seasonal Picks: Zucchini , bell peppers , or spinach add color and nutrition .
Health Boost: Extra veggies give more fiber , vitamins , and minerals .

C. Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Versions

Cauliflower Swap: For fewer carbs , use cauliflower instead of potatoes .
Thickening: Gluten-free flour or cornstarch works instead of regular flour .

D. Cuisine Influences

Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning and salsa , top with jalapeños .
Italian Twist: Mix in marinara sauce and Italian herbs for extra taste .

IV. Serving Suggestions and Possible Pairings

Here are some ideas to go with your casserole :

A. Side Dishes

Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts the richness .
Garlic Bread: Great for sopping up any cheesy sauce .

B. Beverage Pairings

Beer: A light lager or amber ale goes well .
Wine: Medium-bodied red like Merlot or Zinfandel works nicely .
Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon is refreshing .

C. Leftover Ideas

Reheat Tips: Put leftovers in an airtight container and warm in oven or microwave . A splash of broth helps keep it moist .
New Meals: Mix cooled casserole with scrambled eggs for breakfast or wrap in a tortilla for lunch .

V. Health Considerations

Keep these points in mind to make your casserole healthier :

A. Balance of Ingredients

Protein: The beef gives you muscle-building protein .
Carbs: Potatoes offer energy plus vitamins and minerals .

B. Cheat Sheet for Portion Control

Serving Size: A portion about the size of your fist is a good guide .
Mindful Eating: Eat slowly and pay attention to when you feel full .

C. Modifying for Healthier Choices

Lean Beef: Pick lean ground beef to cut down on fat .
Low-Fat Cheese: Swap regular cheese for a lighter version .

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A. How do I store leftover ground beef and potato casserole?

Let it cool , then put in an airtight container . It stays good in the fridge for 3–4 days .

B. Can I freeze ground beef and potato casserole?

Yes . Cool completely , wrap in plastic wrap and foil , then freeze up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating .

C. What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey , chicken , or try lentils or crumbled tempeh for a meat-free version .

D. How do I make the casserole more flavorful?

Add spices like cumin or chili powder , or mix in Worcestershire or hot sauce . Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley pop with flavor too .

E. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely . Assemble it the night before , cover and chill . Bake when you`re ready , just add a few extra minutes if it`s cold from the fridge .

F. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes , sweet potatoes are a great swap . They`re sweeter and full of vitamin A . Just slice thin and watch the baking time since they might cook faster .

VII. Conclusion

Ground beef and potato casserole remains a favorite comfort meal because it`s easy , filling , and ready for lots of variations . Once you learn the basics , you can tweak it however you like and enjoy a warm , satisfying dish any night of the week .

ground beef and potato casserole

This ground beef and potato casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese. It's perfect for a family dinner and can be easily prepared ahead of time.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course main dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

1 large skillet
1 large mixing bowl
1 casserole dish (approximately 2-quart capacity)
1 oven

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
4 medium potatoes about 1.5 pounds, peeled and sliced thin
1 medium onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 ounces
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme optional
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking the meat apart, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, thyme (if using), and milk. Mix well.
In the casserole dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Pour half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Optional: For a variation, add frozen mixed vegetables to the ground beef mixture for extra nutrition.

Notes

For a variation, you can add frozen mixed vegetables to the ground beef mixture for extra nutrition.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.