Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Casserole – Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
If you’re searching for a classic, filling, family-friendly dinner, this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is exactly what Google (and readers ) love. It’s creamy, cheesy, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekend dinners. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Potato Bake
- Made with simple, affordable ingredients
- One-dish meal – no complicated steps
- Creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting
- Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and leftovers
- Beginner-friendly and customizable
This casserole combines tender sliced potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, and a rich creamy sauce, all baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of recipe people search for again and again.
Ingredients (Full List)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2 Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Drain excess fat and set aside.
3 Make the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth and creamy. This sauce keeps the potatoes tender and adds rich flavor.
4 Assemble the Casserole
Layering is key for even cooking:
- Place half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish
- Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes
- Pour half of the creamy sauce evenly on top
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.
5 Bake Until Tender
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
6 Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
7 Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Tips for Best Results
- Slice potatoes thin and evenly for perfect cooking
- Use whole milk for a creamier texture
- Cover tightly while baking to prevent drying
- Let it rest before cutting so it holds its shape
Easy Variations
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers
- Use mozzarella, Colby-Jack, or Monterey Jack cheese
- Add paprika or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
- Swap cream of mushroom with cream of chicken
What to Serve With
This casserole pairs well with:
- Fresh green salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F or microwave until warm
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze before baking or after cooling