Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe

Hearty, wholesome, and loaded with classic home-cooked flavors, Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is the ultimate family dinner with soul-satisfying comfort. This generous dish layers seasoned ground beef with tender sliced potatoes, savory onions, and a creamy sauce, all baked together until golden and bubbling. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas and gathers everyone around the table without hesitation.

Each serving delivers a wonderful combination of textures—rich, creamy, and perfectly tender with crispy edges from the top layer. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding hungry guests, this casserole is as straightforward to prepare as it is delicious. Add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, fresh herbs, crispy bacon, or a dollop of sour cream for a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

One-dish simplicity: Everything bakes together in a single casserole dish—easy cleanup, incredible flavor.
Budget-friendly classic: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that deliver maximum comfort without breaking the bank.
Endlessly customizable: Add different vegetables, swap seasonings, use various cheeses, or adjust the creaminess to your liking.
Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead, refrigerate or freeze, and reheat for quick family dinners all week long.
Universally loved: Kids adore the creamy potatoes, and adults appreciate the hearty, satisfying beef layer.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before starting this delicious Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole, having the right equipment ready will make the entire process smooth and enjoyable—from prep to serving.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

9×13 Inch Baking Dish
This is your go-to vessel for this recipe. It provides perfect depth for layering and ensures even heat distribution for consistent cooking.

Large Skillet or Frying Pan
Necessary for browning the ground beef and building the flavor base. A wide surface area helps achieve better browning.

Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
Essential for slicing potatoes uniformly and dicing onions. Consistent cuts ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.

Mandoline Slicer (Optional but Helpful)
Makes quick work of slicing potatoes to uniform thickness, which helps everything cook at the same rate.

Mixing Bowl (Medium Size)
Perfect for combining the creamy sauce ingredients before pouring over the layers.

Aluminum Foil
Used to cover the casserole during initial baking, which helps steam and soften the potatoes before browning the top.

Having these tools organized and ready makes the cooking process efficient and stress-free.

Preparation Tips

Slice potatoes uniformly to about ⅛-inch thickness so they cook evenly. Thicker slices may remain undercooked while thinner ones can become mushy.
Pat potatoes dry after slicing to remove excess starch. This helps achieve better texture and prevents a gummy casserole.
Brown the beef thoroughly to develop deep, savory flavors. Don’t rush this step—proper browning makes all the difference.
Season each layer as you build the casserole. Layering the seasoning ensures flavor throughout, not just on top.
Cover tightly with foil for the first portion of baking to trap steam and ensure potatoes cook through completely.
Rest before serving: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving much cleaner and easier.

These simple techniques elevate the final result significantly in both taste and presentation.

Ingredients for This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole. Most ingredients are pantry and refrigerator staples, making it both economical and convenient for any night of the week.

For the Beef Layer:

1½ lbs ground beef (80-85% lean)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

For the Potato Layers:

4-5 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1 cup sour cream
½ cup whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

Extra shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Crispy bacon bits
Chopped fresh parsley or chives
Sliced green onions
Sour cream
Crushed crackers or French fried onions for extra crunch

Every ingredient works together to create rich, comforting layers—the savory beef pairs beautifully with creamy potatoes and melted cheese. The toppings are optional but add texture and fresh flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30-45 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until completely browned, about 7-8 minutes. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy mixture will bind all the layers together and keep everything moist.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly. Brush or drizzle with half of the melted butter and season with salt and pepper.

Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potato layer. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef, spreading it gently to cover.

Add the remaining potato slices on top in another even layer. Drizzle with the remaining melted butter and season again with salt and pepper. Pour the rest of the creamy sauce over the top layer of potatoes, making sure to cover as much surface area as possible.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes. This covered baking time allows the potatoes to steam and cook through completely.

After 60 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the top if desired. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the layers to firm up and makes cutting and serving much easier. Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, bacon bits, or any preferred toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Potato Options: Russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture, but Yukon Gold potatoes create a creamier result. Avoid waxy red potatoes as they don’t absorb the sauce as well.

Make it Lighter: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, and use reduced-fat soup and cheese.

Add More Vegetables: Layer in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen mixed vegetables between the beef and potato layers for extra nutrition.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Slicing potatoes unevenly: Inconsistent thickness leads to some slices being undercooked while others are overcooked. Use a mandoline or take your time with a sharp knife.
Not covering during initial baking: Without foil, the top will brown too quickly while the potatoes remain hard and undercooked inside.
Using potatoes that are too thick: Thick slices won’t cook through in the given time. Aim for ⅛-inch thickness for best results.
Forgetting to drain the beef: Excess grease makes the casserole oily and prevents the sauce from coating properly.
Skipping the resting time: Cutting into the casserole immediately causes the layers to fall apart and the sauce to run everywhere.
Overbaking uncovered: Too much time without foil can dry out the top layer. Watch closely during the final browning stage.
Not seasoning between layers: Seasoning only the top means bland bites throughout. Season each layer as you build.
Using cold ingredients: Room temperature ingredients combine more smoothly and bake more evenly. Let refrigerated items sit out briefly before assembling.

What to Serve With Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole?

This hearty casserole is filling on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can create a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Whether you want something light or indulgent, these options work beautifully.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Simple Green Salad
Crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provide a fresh, light contrast to the rich casserole.

Roasted Green Beans
Oven-roasted with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of lemon—simple, healthy, and full of flavor.

Buttered Dinner Rolls
Warm, fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and rounding out the meal.

Steamed Broccoli with Cheese Sauce
A classic side that kids love, adding both nutrition and extra cheesy goodness.

Coleslaw
Tangy, crunchy coleslaw cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing element to each bite.

Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery, and garlicky—it’s always a crowd favorite and pairs perfectly with the casserole’s creamy texture.

Corn on the Cob
Sweet, buttery corn adds a pop of color and summery flavor that complements the savory beef.

Apple Crisp (for dessert)
A warm, spiced apple dessert provides a sweet finish that balances the savory main course beautifully.

These sides complete the meal and turn dinner into a memorable, restaurant-quality experience at home.

Storage Instructions

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole stores exceptionally well and tastes just as delicious reheated—making it perfect for meal prep.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or divide into individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium-high power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	445
Protein	23g
Carbohydrates	28g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugar	3g
Total Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	12g
Unsaturated Fat	12g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	680mg

This dish offers a well-balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats—perfect for a filling lunch or dinner that provides sustained energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold.

2. Can I use a different type of meat besides ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even Italian sausage work wonderfully. Just adjust seasonings to complement the meat you choose.

3. Is this dish very heavy?
It’s definitely hearty and filling. You can lighten it by using lean meat, low-fat dairy products, and adding more vegetables to the layers.

4. Can I make it without canned soup?
Definitely. Make a homemade cream sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, then gradually adding milk and seasonings until thickened. It’s fresher and just as delicious.

5. What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
No problem. Use any oven-safe dish with similar volume—an 8×11-inch dish, a deep pie dish, or even individual ramekins for single servings.

6. Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes! Use a larger roasting pan or two separate 9×13-inch dishes. Keep baking times the same but check for doneness, as larger pans may need a few extra minutes.

7. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely. Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach make excellent additions. Layer them with the beef for extra nutrition and flavor.

8. How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
Insert a fork or knife into the center of the casserole. If it slides through the potatoes easily with no resistance, they’re done. If there’s resistance, cover and bake longer.

Conclusion

Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is the ultimate combination of homestyle comfort and practical simplicity—all baked into one satisfying, budget-friendly dish. With its layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce, it’s everything you want in a family dinner without any fuss or complicated steps.

Perfect for weeknight meals, potluck gatherings, or Sunday dinners, this casserole is as versatile as it is delicious. Plus, with endless topping and variation options, you can make it different every time. So grab your baking dish and create a dinner that everyone will ask for again and again.