Ultimate Ground Beef And Potato Casserole: Simple & Satisfying

If you’re searching for a cozy dinner that’s hearty, reliable, and comforting, this Ground Beef And Potato Casserole brings everything you love about classic home-style meals. The keyword Ground Beef And Potato Casserole sets the stage for a filling family dish made with tender potatoes, savory beef, a creamy gravy, and a golden cheesy topping. It’s budget-friendly, uses simple ingredients, and comes together with very little fuss—perfect for easy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef And Potato Casserole

This casserole combines traditional flavors with an incredibly satisfying texture. It layers thinly sliced potatoes with a seasoned ground-beef gravy, then finishes with perfectly melted cheddar cheese. Every bite is warm, creamy, savory, and comforting without being heavy or complicated.

Here’s what makes it a standout:

• Simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have at home.
• One baking dish, making cleanup easy.
• Balanced, family-friendly flavors—nothing spicy or overwhelming.
• Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
• Comfort-food vibes without being too rich or greasy.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients for Ground Beef And Potato Casserole

Below is a complete list of everything you need to build this delicious casserole.

Main Casserole Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 2 tablespoons butter or cooking oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon bouillon powder or additional salt
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes & Healthy Substitutions

If you want to make this casserole lighter, more flexible, or healthier, here are smart swaps:

• Ground Beef:
  Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  For a vegetarian version, use lentils or crumbled tofu.
• Cheddar Cheese:
  Use part-skim mozzarella or reduce the amount if you prefer less richness.
• Milk:
  Any unsweetened nondairy milk works well—almond, oat, or cashew.
• Beef Broth:
  Can be replaced with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• Butter:
  Olive oil is a great alternative.

No alcohol or pork substitutions are needed since the original recipe is already family-friendly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to build your casserole from start to finish.

Step 1 — Prepare the Potatoes

Peel your potatoes and slice them thinly—about ⅛-inch thick is ideal. Thin slices ensure the potatoes soften fully during baking and absorb the flavors of the casserole. Set aside.

Step 2 — Make the Beef Mixture

Heat butter or oil in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with paprika, oregano, bouillon, salt, and black pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir until the flour coats everything. This step creates a light roux that thickens the gravy.

Step 3 — Build the Gravy

Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a creamy gravy that coats the beef. Remove from heat.

Step 4 — Layer the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Layer half the sliced potatoes in the dish.
• Spoon half the beef mixture on top.
• Add the remaining potatoes.
• Spread the rest of the beef mixture over them.

Cover tightly with foil.

Step 5 — Bake Hearty & Tender

Bake for 45 minutes. This gives the potatoes time to soften and absorb flavor.

Remove foil, sprinkle cheese across the top, and return to the oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden.

Step 6 — Rest & Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This helps the layers set, making slicing easier. Garnish with parsley if you like.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Slice potatoes thinly and evenly—it prevents uneven cooking.
2. Don’t skip browning the beef well—it adds big flavor.
3. Taste the gravy before layering so you can adjust salt or spices.
4. Cover tightly with foil to lock in steam and soften potatoes.
5. Let it rest before serving so the casserole layers hold together.

Flavor Variations

Try one of these simple twists to change up the recipe:

• Southwest Style: Add corn, black beans, cumin, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
• Italian Style: Use Italian seasoning and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
• Creamy Ranch: Mix 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning into the beef gravy.
• Herb Garlic: Increase the garlic and thyme for a more aromatic casserole.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is filling on its own, but pairs beautifully with:

• Mixed green salad
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Tomato cucumber salad
• Dinner rolls or garlic bread
• Roasted carrots

If serving for brunch, pair with scrambled eggs or fruit salad.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer (unbaked): Assemble fully, cover with foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Add cheese only after baking.
• Freezer (baked): Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave or heat in the oven at 350°F until hot.

Ultimate Ground Beef And Potato Casserole: Simple & Satisfying

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This Ultimate Ground Beef And Potato Casserole is a hearty, cozy, satisfying dish layered with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy gravy, and a golden cheesy topping. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and classic comfort make it perfect for weeknights or family dinners.

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Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 2 tablespoons butter or cooking oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon bouillon powder or extra salt
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes (about 1/8 inch thick) and set aside.
2. Heat butter or oil in a skillet. Cook onion until soft, then add garlic and thyme.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with paprika, oregano, bouillon, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat.
5. Slowly pour in beef broth, followed by milk, stirring until a thick gravy forms. Remove from heat.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
7. Layer half the potatoes, then half the beef mixture. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef.
8. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove foil, add shredded cheese, and bake 10–15 minutes more until melted and golden.
10. Let rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking. Ensure the gravy is thick before layering. Let the casserole rest so it sets properly when sliced.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Approximate, based on 6 servings:

FAQ About Ground Beef And Potato Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven. This ensures even baking and prevents the dish from cracking due to temperature shock.

Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Frozen sliced potatoes or hash brown-style potatoes work well. Just thaw and pat them dry first. They may cook slightly faster, so check your casserole around the 35-minute mark before adding cheese.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

Switch to lean ground turkey, use reduced-fat cheese, and replace half the potatoes with sliced zucchini. You can also use low-sodium broth and skip extra salt if needed. These changes lighten the dish without losing its cozy flavor.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, double everything and use two baking dishes or one extra-large casserole dish. Keep the same baking temperature, but increase the covered baking time by about 10–15 minutes.

Why is my casserole watery?

This can happen if potatoes release too much moisture. To prevent it, slice potatoes evenly, don’t overcrowd them, and make sure the gravy is thick before layering. Letting the casserole rest before slicing also helps it set properly.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef And Potato Casserole is everything a comforting dinner should be—simple, hearty, affordable, and incredibly satisfying. With tender potatoes, rich gravy, and melted cheese, it’s a warm-you-up recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers unbeatable flavor with very little effort.