Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Introduction
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — a creamy, layered bake of tender potatoes, savory beef, melted cheese, and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s everything you want in a cozy home-cooked meal: easy to make, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meal prep!
Ingredients and Quantities
Main Ingredients
- Ground beef – 1 lb (450 g)
- Onion – 1 small, chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Potatoes – 4–5 medium (about 2 lbs / 900 g), peeled and thinly sliced
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese – 2 cups (200 g)
- Milk – 1 cup (240 ml)
- Heavy cream – ½ cup (120 ml)
- Butter – 2 tbsp (30 g)
- All-purpose flour – 2 tbsp (15 g)
- Salt – 1 tsp (or to taste)
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Paprika – ½ tsp (optional)
- Fresh parsley – for garnish
Optional Additions
- Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, corn, or peas for extra color and nutrition
- Spices: Try cayenne or chili flakes for a kick of heat
- Cheese Mix: Use Monterey Jack or Colby for a creamy, melty blend
- Topping: Sprinkle with breadcrumbs mixed with butter for a crispy finish
Tips for Success
- Slice potatoes evenly – Thin slices (⅛ inch or 3 mm) cook evenly and layer nicely.
- Brown the beef well – This adds deep flavor and prevents greasiness.
- Make a smooth sauce – Whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent lumps.
- Cover while baking – Keeps it moist while the potatoes cook through.
- Finish uncovered – For a golden, cheesy top layer.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium-sized baking dish. - Cook the beef mixture:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Drain excess fat. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside. - Make the cheese sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
Add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy. - Assemble the casserole:
Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish.
Spread half of the cooked beef mixture on top.
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the layer.
Repeat with remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce. - Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. - Rest and serve:
Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole features layers of creamy potatoes, juicy seasoned beef, and rich melted cheese — baked to perfection. It’s warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor in every bite — the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aroma.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving — serves 6)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
(Values vary based on cheese and cream used.)
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a classic one-dish meal that’s both hearty and comforting. Its creamy texture, savory layers, and cheesy finish make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — perfect for cozy dinners or sharing with loved ones.
Recommendation
Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. You can also freeze portions for easy future dinners.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey, skim milk, and reduced-fat cheese. Add layers of spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Balance indulgence with wholesome ingredients — enjoying comfort food can still fit into a healthy lifestyle.