Introduction

This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender potatoes with savory ground beef and a creamy cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. Simple ingredients come together to make a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

A close-up of a stacked dish on a white plate showing three main layers: the bottom layer is light golden browned diced potatoes, the middle layer has crumbled browned ground meat mixed with white creamy mashed potatoes, and the top layer is golden melted cheddar cheese mixed with more browned diced potatoes. On top, there is a dollop of white sour cream sprinkled with red paprika and small green thyme leaves. A silver fork rests on the edge of the plate against a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté until fragrant and softened.
Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked.
Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well incorporated.
Step 7: Transfer the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Step 8: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.
Step 10: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives before baking.
Swap russet potatoes for Yukon gold for a creamier texture.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a mild kick.
Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is golden-brown crispy potato cubes with a slightly rough texture, the middle layer is browned ground beef scattered unevenly over the potatoes, and the top layer is a mix of melted orange and white shredded cheese spread across the beef. In the center, there is a dollop of white sour cream sprinkled with red paprika and topped with small green herb leaves. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?

Fresh potatoes work best for texture, but if using frozen diced potatoes, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 142 reviews

This classic Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. It features seasoned ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, combined with tender diced potatoes and creamy sour cream, topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked until bubbly and golden.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced

Vegetables

4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

Dairy and Liquids

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup beef broth

Seasonings and Oil

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Prepare Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the casserole.
Prepare Vegetables: Peel the russet potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes for uniform cooking. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to prepare them for sautéing.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened to release their flavors.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook the meat while breaking it up until it is browned and fully cooked through.
Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors together, then remove the skillet from heat.
Combine with Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well incorporated.
Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking, which helps it set and makes serving easier. Then serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions and garlic.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the beef.
This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving for convenience.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Use gluten-free beef broth to make this recipe gluten free if needed.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, potato casserole, cheesy beef bake, easy family dinner, baked ground beef and potatoes