Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes: Ultimate Comfort Food

One spoonful is all it takes to transport you back to your grandma’s table, with steam curling up from a plate of this comforting cheesy ground beef and potatoes. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with the inviting aroma of melting cheese and crisped edges. This classic is currently trending across social media, and it’s easy to see why.

This is a true throw-it-in-the-oven meal, made with lean ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and shredded cheddarall simple pantry staples. It’s hearty and cozy, offering a much easier path to a delicious midweek dinner than many traditional casseroles.

I grew up watching my mom layer beef and potatoes in a baking dish, relying on instinct rather than a recipe. After years of testing and refining, I’ve perfected her method, ensuring a foolproof recipe every time. This dish sticks to your ribs in the best way, delivering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Casserole

This dish feels like a warm hug on a chilly night, served straight from the oven. Made with simple pantry staples, cheesy ground beef and potatoes bring together comforting flavors that remind you of homenow with a tested, foolproof recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and perfectly suited for beginner cooks.

• Easy prep: No fancy tools or complex techniques required. Just a skillet and an oven.
• One dish, fewer dishes: Layers of beef, potatoes, and cheese bake beautifully together in a single pan. This means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal!
• Budget-friendly: You likely already have most ingredients on handground beef, potatoes, cheese, and common spices.
• Family-approved: This classic combination is a guaranteed hit for all ages, satisfying both picky eaters and seasoned casserole enthusiasts.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this casserole so special:

• Ground beef: Lean ground beef (85-90% lean) works best here to prevent a greasy casserole. Simply brown and drain.
• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal. Peel and slice or dice them into even 1/2-inch pieces for consistent cooking and a perfect mix of creamy and tender texture.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds robust flavor, but feel free to blend in a little mozzarella or Monterey Jack for added creaminess or a milder taste.
• Onion and garlic: These essential aromatics build a deep, warm flavor base for the entire casserole.
• Beef broth: This is key to keeping the dish moist and tender, ensuring no dry spots, and helping all the savory flavors meld together beautifully.
• Spices: Simple salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano are classic seasonings that allow the main ingredients to truly shine.

Ingredient	Measurement	Notes
Ground beef	1 lb	Lean (85-90%) works best
Potatoes	3 medium	Peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
Cheddar cheese	1 cup	Shredded
Beef broth	1/2 cup	Recommended for moisture and flavor

Simple Steps to Make It

This is your everything-in-one-pan kind of meal. It’s incredibly simple, even for new cooks. So grab your skillet and baking dish, and let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready by the time you’re done with the prep.
2. Cook the beef: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Finally, mix in the salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano, letting those savory smells fill your kitchen for another minute.
3. Assemble the layers: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Arrange about one-third of the diced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom. Spoon half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers once more (potatoes, beef, cheese). Finish with the remaining one-third of the potatoes on top. Carefully pour the beef broth evenly over the entire casserole.
4. Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle on any remaining cheese, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
5. Garnish and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the flavors to set. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright, herby finish before digging in!

Steps	Time
Prep and cook the beef	10-12 minutes
Layer ingredients	5-7 minutes
Bake (covered and uncovered)	45-50 minutes
Total Time	~1 hour – 1 hour 10 minutes

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s make this even more fun and flexible! Here are a few tips to make your ground beef potato cheese casserole the star of your dinner table:

• Uniform potatoes: Dicing your potatoes into consistent 1/2-inch pieces is crucial for even cooking. Uneven pieces will result in some being mushy and others still firm.
• Add veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, toss in layers of sautéed bell peppers (any color), corn, or frozen peas during assembly. Cook tougher vegetables lightly before adding.
• Switch the cheese: Love a smoky flavor? Swap in smoked gouda. For a little kick, try pepper jack. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella also works beautifully for a stretchier, milder cheese pull.
• Short on time? Parboil the diced potatoes for 5-7 minutes before layering them. This will significantly reduce the overall baking time, ensuring they’re perfectly tender.

How to Serve & Store

This casserole is a rockstar for leftovers and meal prep, so don’t worry if you can’t finish it all in one sitting. Here’s how to keep things tasting fresh:

• Serving: This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own. Pair it with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette for a balanced meal, or serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up all the cheesy, savory goodness.
• Storage (Fridge): Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the casserole cools completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Storage (Freezer): For longer storage, freeze individual portions or the entire cooled casserole (if appropriate for your dish) in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, until piping hot.

Storage Option	Time
Fridge	3-4 days
Freezer	Up to 2 months

Expert Insight: Balancing Comfort and Nutrition in Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

Cheesy ground beef and potatoes blend protein, fat, and starch for a satisfying, energy-rich meal. To keep this classic hearty dish balanced, use moderate cheese and lean beef, which enhances flavor while supporting muscle repair and satiety. This combination makes it both comforting and nutritionally mindful.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

Mastering My Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes

This cheesy ground beef and potatoes recipe didn’t come together overnightafter a few too many burnt edges and bland bites, I finally nailed the balance of gooey cheese and savory beef. Years of trial and error taught me exactly when to add the potatoes so they stay tender but not mushy, absorbing the rich beef broth as they bake. This tried-and-true method ensures perfect results every time, making this recipe truly worth the patience.

FAQs ( Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes )

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes casserole comes together in about an hour, delivering that perfect blend of melty cheese, tender potatoes, and savory beef that truly feels like a warm, comforting hug. You’ll love how the edges crisp just right while the inside stays creamy and satisfying, making it a go-to for any night that calls for cozy and uncomplicated goodness. It’s the kind of dinner that smells like home and tastes like love.

For a little twist, try adding some sautéed bell peppers or swap cheddar for smoky gouda to shake things up. Leftovers? No problem! Store in the fridge or freezer and reheat covered in the oven to keep it deliciously moista trick I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen. Serve with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a meal that feels both hearty and special, without the fuss.

Did this recipe bring back any family memories or favorite comfort foods? I’d love to hear your stories and see your casserole creations! Don’t forget to save or share this ground beef potato casserole with anyone who needs a little extra warmth at dinner. Here’s to more cozy, kitchen moments together!

Print