Easy Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Ground Beef & Potato Casserole makes for a cozy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and melted cheddar come together in one pan for a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy nights.

When you need a comforting dinner that hits the spot without a lot of fuss, this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is the answer. Layers of tender russet potatoes, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and ooey-gooey melted cheddar are baked together into a hearty dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying recipe that brings everyone to the table. And better yet, no fancy ingredients or complicated steps are needed for it to come together! It’s just simple and cozy comfort food that is sure to sway even the pickiest eater.

This casserole is also incredibly versatile. It’s a weeknight dinner hero, a crowd-pleasing meal for potlucks, and a smart way to stretch ingredients without sacrificing flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples and one pan, you’ll be serving up a comforting classic that tastes like you’ve been cooking it on the stove all day, even though it comes together quickly.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Simple, everyday ingredients – Everyday staples make this dish budget-friendly and easy to whip up any night of the week.
• Easy one-pan meal – Layered potatoes, savory beef, and bubbly cheese bake all in one pan! Makes for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Family-friendly dinner – This casserole is rich in flavor, cheesy, and hearty, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for adults and kids.
• Perfect for meal prep – Leftovers reheat beautifully and make a delicious next-day lunch.
• Easily customizable – Add vegetables, spice it up, or swap the cheese — whatever your heart desires!

Ingredients needed

• 4 large russet potatoes: Provide the starchy base that becomes tender when baked.
• Olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and adds richness.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and savory depth to the ground beef mixture.
• Minced garlic: Builds aromatic flavor.
• 80/20 ground beef: We recommend using ground beef with a ratio of 80% lean meat and 20% fat. That little bit of extra fat keeps the meat juicy and adds that comforting, rich flavor we all love.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds moisture and acidity to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Tomato paste: Deepens tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Cumin, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper: The essential seasonings for that perfect mix of savoriness and aromatics.
• 1/4 cup water: Helps bind the filling together.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly topping for creamy richness.

How to make ground beef & potato casserole

1. Bake the potatoes

Peel and dice the potatoes and add them to a baking dish, tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until tender.

2. Cook the aromatics and beef

While the potatoes cook, sauté the onion, diced tomatoes, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly.

3. Season and simmer

Add the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Thin it out with 1/4 cup water and let simmer on the stove for 5-7 minutes until thickened slightly.

4. Layer the casserole and bake

Remove the potatoes from the oven and layer the ground beef mixture on top. Cover with foil and bake 15-20 minutes. Then top the pan with cheddar cheese and put the oven on broil for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.

5. Garnish and serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley (if desired). Serve and enjoy!

Tips for the best ground beef & potato casserole

Dice the potatoes evenly

Aim for about 1/2-inch thickness so that they cook through and layer nicely in the baking dish.

Simmer the beef mixture

Let the tomatoes and spices cook down for a few minutes so that the flavors deepen and any excess liquid evaporates, so your casserole won’t come out watery.

Use freshly shredded cheese

Pre-shredded cheese usually contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding your own block makes the topping extra gooey and creamy.

Let it rest before serving

Resting the casserole for at least 5-10 minutes helps the layers set, making slicing easy and preventing the dish from falling apart.

Want more depth of flavor?

Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture or sauté a little bell pepper with the onions.

How to store ground beef & potato casserole

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months but make sure to seal them well to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short increments to avoid drying.
• Meal prep tip: Assemble the casserole overnight (without the cheese) and put in the fridge. When ready to serve, just bake an extra 10-15 minutes before uncovering to add the cheese.

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