This ground beef potato casserole is a hearty, family-friendly comfort dish made with tender sliced potatoes, savory seasoned beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked until golden and bubbling. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is easy to prepare with basic pantry ingredients and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The layers bake together into a creamy, satisfying dish that feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully. It’s versatile, customizable, and comforting without being complicated, making it a reliable go-to recipe for any home cook.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, washed, peeled, and thinly sliced
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 cup sweet yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in half of the cheddar cheese until smooth.

Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the seasoned beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the cheese sauce on top.

Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 generous portions.

Preparation time is approximately 25 minutes.
Cooking time is about 75 minutes.
Total time is around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Variations

You can add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra vegetables. Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or a mild white cheese for a different flavor profile. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Spices can be adjusted to taste, including adding a pinch of chili flakes for heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze it unbaked or baked and fully cooled. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

What potatoes work best for this recipe?

Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape and become creamy when baked.

Do I need to cook the potatoes before baking?

No, thinly sliced raw potatoes will cook fully in the oven as long as the dish is properly covered at first.

Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken or ground turkey can be substituted with similar results.

How thin should the potatoes be sliced?

Aim for slices about ⅛-inch thick to ensure even cooking.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Yes, the casserole will still be creamy, but the texture and flavor will be less rich.

Why is my casserole watery?

This can happen if the potatoes are sliced too thick or if the sauce is not thickened enough before baking.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach can be layered or mixed into the beef.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the top should be golden and bubbling.

Conclusion

Ground beef potato casserole is a timeless comfort dish that combines simple ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal. With its creamy layers and savory flavor, it’s perfect for feeding a family or preparing ahead for stress-free dinners. Once you try it, this casserole is sure to become a regular favorite at your table.

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