Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

If there’s one dish that can bring a table together and guarantee smiles, it’s Ground Beef Potato Casserole. This classic American comfort food layers tender potatoes, perfectly seasoned beef, melty Colby Jack cheese, and a creamy, savory sauce—all baked until irresistibly golden and bubbly. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a hearty weeknight meal, this savory casserole is a home-cooked favorite you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ground Beef Potato Casserole lies in its straightforward, flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a unique role, bringing heartiness, creaminess, or a pop of color to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a thing:

• Yukon Gold potatoes: These have just the right balance of creamy and waxy texture, making them perfect for layering without turning mushy.
• Lean ground beef: Delivers meaty richness and pairs wonderfully with the potatoes for a filling dish.
• Sweet yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor, mellowing as it cooks with the beef.
• Minced garlic: Just a little garlic brightens up the savory notes and makes the kitchen smell amazing.
• Cream of mushroom soup: The unsung hero of the sauce, lending creaminess and umami with zero fuss.
• Half and half: Makes the sauce velvety smooth and enriches every layer.
• Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor, deepening the casserole’s savory base.
• Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing flavors without leaving behind a salty bite.
• Fresh cracked black pepper: Brings just the right amount of warmth and complexity.
• Freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and crowns the casserole with a golden, gooey crust.
• Nonstick cooking spray: For prepping the dish and ensuring your glorious casserole comes out perfectly intact.

How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Start by giving your Yukon Gold potatoes a good scrub (you can peel them, but I love the rustic touch of the skins). Slice them thin—about 1/8-inch thick is perfect. Toss the slices in a bowl of water to keep them from turning brown while you prep the other ingredients. This step not only keeps the potatoes looking pretty but also helps them cook evenly later.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Dish

Set your oven to 350°F and give your trusty 9×13 baking dish a light coat of nonstick spray. This ensures every cheesy layer releases with ease and your casserole has a perfectly golden bottom.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

In a big saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef, diced sweet onion, and minced garlic. Stir frequently, using a spoon to break up the beef so everything cooks evenly. Once browned, drain off any excess fat—this keeps the casserole from getting greasy and lets the flavors shine.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, half and half, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This creamy concoction is what ties all the layers together, adding moisture and rich flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Start Layering

Drain your potato slices and start layering! Spread a third of the potatoes over the bottom of the dish, followed by a third of that irresistible ground beef mixture. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup of freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese, then drizzle a third of the soup mixture over the top, making sure each layer is coated with creamy goodness.

Step 6: Repeat the Layers

Go in for round two and three: Build the next layer just like the first—potatoes, beef, cheese, soup—until you’ve used up your ingredients. You’ll end with a layer of potatoes and beef, then pour any remaining soup mixture on top. Finally, crown the whole thing with the remaining 1½ cups of Colby Jack for that melty, bubbly finish we all crave.

Step 7: Bake and Rest

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes (your kitchen will start to smell incredible). Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, letting the cheese turn perfectly golden and bubbly. It’ll look tempting, but let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before digging in—this helps everything set and makes serving slices a breeze.

How to Serve Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving to bring a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Cracked black pepper or even a touch of smoked paprika on top can be delightful for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Ground Beef Potato Casserole is basically a meal in itself, but it shines even brighter with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or buttery green beans on the side. For a heartier pairing, try serving it alongside crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, portion the casserole into individual ramekins for personal servings—it feels instantly fancy. Or, try topping with crispy fried onions or bacon bits for a savory twist that’s sure to impress at potlucks and holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Potato Casserole keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator. Simply cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers, and your casserole will stay fresh for up to four days—making for easy lunches or a no-fuss dinner encore.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Ground Beef Potato Casserole! Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil before baking, or portion out cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and enjoy within three months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered, until hot throughout (about 20–30 minutes). You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven helps keep those cheesy, crispy edges intact. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato in this casserole?

Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes offer a lovely creamy texture, Russets or red potatoes work well too. Just slice them thinly so they cook through evenly.

What’s the best way to make this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes entertaining and weeknight meals so much easier!

Can I substitute another cheese for Colby Jack?

Of course! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses will all melt deliciously in Ground Beef Potato Casserole. Just be sure to use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.

Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?

To make Ground Beef Potato Casserole a bit lighter, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef and use reduced-fat cheese and soup. You can also swap the half and half for whole milk if you like.

How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?

The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and everything is piping hot throughout. The top should be gloriously golden!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a bubbly, cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole with people you love. It’s the kind of dish that’s destined to become a regular request at your table. Give this recipe a try and let it work its cozy, comforting magic in your kitchen—you just might find yourself making it again before you know it!

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