Hearty Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty ground beef casserole with potatoes promises a comforting meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Layers of seasoned meat and crispy potato slices create a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.

Home cooks adore this simple yet delicious dish for its rustic charm and effortless preparation.

Tender beef mingles with soft potato chunks, offering a wholesome dining experience.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this classic comfort food that fills bellies and warms hearts.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this casserole a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a delectable, stress-free meal.

Why Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes Is So Filling

• Create Family Favorites: Packed with familiar ingredients that appeal to kids and adults alike, making mealtime a breeze and guaranteed to please everyone.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps or additions, letting home cooks put their personal spin on a classic casserole.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners that require a filling and delicious main course without complicated preparation.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the core protein for this comforting casserole.

• Potatoes: Fresh potatoes sliced thinly to create layers of soft, tender texture throughout the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor and creates a golden, bubbly topping.
• Cream of Chicken Soup, Evaporated Milk, Milk: Creamy ingredients that combine to form a smooth, luxurious sauce binding the casserole together.

• Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste and provide depth to the dish.

• Onion: Diced vegetable that adds a savory and slightly sweet undertone to the ground beef mixture.

How to Make Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect cooking environment for this comforting dish.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef with diced onions over medium heat.

Make sure to break up the beef as it cooks, allowing it to brown nicely.

Once cooked, drain away any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Evaporated milk
• Regular milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder

Stir until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

• Half of the sliced potatoes
• Half of the cooked beef mixture
• Half of the creamy sauce
• Sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese

Step 5: Create the Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, creating a delicious and hearty casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.

The casserole is ready when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving easier.

Pro Tips for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a lighter, more appetizing meal.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting and richer flavor that coats the entire casserole.
• Add diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to increase nutritional value and introduce extra color and texture.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready – perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Variations on Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free option that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a lighter, keto-friendly version of the classic casserole.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired variation.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Ideas for Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty casserole as the star of a relaxed weeknight meal with loved ones gathered around the table.
• Comfort Food Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the rich, cheesy layers and add a fresh vegetable element.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community gatherings or potlucks where everyone craves a satisfying, home-style comfort meal that feeds a crowd.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy reheated for lunch the next day, as the flavors often taste even better after sitting overnight.

How to Store Ground Beef Casserole with Potatoes

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground sausage for variety in flavor and protein.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy, potato-filled casserole is typically a hit with children due to its mild flavor and comforting texture.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots to increase nutritional value.

• Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes before layering?

No, you can slice the potatoes raw and layer them directly in the baking dish. They will cook and become tender during the baking process.

Ground Beef Casserole With Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Ground Beef Casserole delivers comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens, layering savory meat and creamy potatoes. Melted cheese crowns this satisfying dish, promising warmth and nostalgia with each delicious forkful you savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) ground beef
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 onion, diced

Liquid and Soup Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 ounces / 284 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (12 ounces / 340 grams) evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup milk

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) with rack positioned in center position.
2. Sauté ground beef and onions in large skillet over medium heat until meat browns completely and onions turn translucent, approximately 7-9 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat from meat mixture using colander or paper towels.
4. Whisk cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, regular milk, salt, pepper, and onion powder in mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
5. Grease 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
6. Create first layer by arranging half of potato slices across bottom of dish, ensuring even coverage.
7. Distribute half of cooked beef mixture evenly over potato layer.
8. Pour half of prepared soup mixture across beef layer.
9. Sprinkle generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over soup mixture.
10. Repeat layering process with remaining potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese.
11. Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
12. Bake for 1 hour, maintaining consistent 350F temperature.
13. Remove foil and continue baking additional 30 minutes until potatoes become tender and cheese develops golden, bubbly surface.
14. Allow casserole to rest 10-15 minutes before serving to help set and stabilize layers.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier dish.
• Consider using low-fat cheese and reduced-sodium soup for a more diet-friendly version.
• Experiment with adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 512 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 740 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg