Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Nothing beats a warm, comforting casserole on a chilly evening, and this Ground Beef Potato Casserole is pure home-cooked magic. Tender potatoes layered with seasoned ground beef and a creamy cheese sauce make every bite satisfying and heartwarming. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple weeknight into something a little more special.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Everything comes together in one baking dish, and you can make it ahead or freeze it for later. Plus, it uses pantry staples and humble ingredients, but the result is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving something cozy for yourself, this casserole delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Potato Casserole
This casserole is everything you want in a hearty dinner: rich, creamy, cheesy, and filling. It comes together with minimal effort and can be easily adjusted to what you have on hand. It’s also a fantastic dish to meal prep ahead of time, and it reheats like a dream.
From picky eaters to adults looking for nostalgic comfort food, this one satisfies across the board.
What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?
Russet potatoes work best in this recipe because they hold their shape while baking and become wonderfully tender. If you’re going for a creamier texture, Yukon Golds are a close second. Just make sure to slice them evenly and not too thick, so they cook through at the same rate as the rest of the dish.
Ingredients for the Ground Beef Potato Casserole
This recipe keeps things classic and simple, but each ingredient plays an important role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef
- Russet potatoes
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
These ingredients come together to create a savory, creamy, and slightly crispy casserole that always hits the spot.

How To Make the Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, mince the garlic, and dice the onion.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Place a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of the cooked ground beef mixture, then sprinkle some cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered casserole. Top with the remaining cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
How to Serve and Store This Casserole
This Ground Beef Potato Casserole feeds 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a week of ready-made lunches. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives if you have them on hand.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. You can also freeze the fully baked casserole for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Potato Casserole?
Green Beans Almondine
The crunch of sautéed green beans with slivered almonds is a fresh, bright side dish that cuts through the richness.
Simple Garden Salad
A crisp salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances the warmth of the casserole.
Garlic Bread
Warm, buttery garlic bread is always a welcome addition to soak up any cheesy bits left on your plate.
Roasted Carrots
Slightly sweet and caramelized, roasted carrots add color and a touch of earthy flavor.
Applesauce
Yes, it might sound old-school, but applesauce offers a comforting, subtly sweet contrast that works wonderfully.
Pickled Beets
For a tangy, bold flavor that stands up to the hearty casserole, pickled beets add an unexpected twist.
Cucumber Dill Yogurt Salad
Cool and refreshing, this creamy salad can be made ahead and served chilled alongside your warm casserole.
Want More Casserole Ideas?
If you love this Ground Beef Potato Casserole, you’ll enjoy trying some of these other cozy and creative dishes:
- Low Carb Chicken Casserole
- Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake
- Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
- Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup
- Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever comfort food calls.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you switch up the cheese or add a veggie layer? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
Explore beautifully curated hearty meals and cozy favorites on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover more of what your family will love: Luna Meals on Pinterest
Conclusion
Ground Beef Potato Casserole is one of those meals that brings everyone to the table. It’s warm, filling, and flexible, and it’s bound to become one of your go-to comfort recipes. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner or freezing it for a busy weeknight, it delivers every single time.

Ground Beef Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Description
This comforting Ground Beef Potato Casserole recipe layers tender russet potatoes with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheddar cheese. A cozy and easy family dinner idea perfect for weeknights, freezer meals, and meal prep.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain excess fat.
3. Layer half of the potatoes in the baking dish. Add half the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat layers, ending with potatoes.
4. In a bowl, whisk the cream of mushroom soup with milk. Pour over casserole. Top with remaining cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use russet potatoes for the best texture.
You can prepare and refrigerate it up to a day ahead before baking.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg


