Description
If you’re craving comfort food that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please, this Ground Beef Potato Casserole is your go-to recipe. With layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, a creamy homemade sauce, and bubbly melted cheese, this dish is the ultimate one-pan wonder. Perfect for a quick dinner, cozy weekend meal, or hearty lunch leftovers, it’s also a great option for meal prep. This is one of those easy recipes you’ll make again and again for its flavor and simplicity. Great for dinner ideas, food ideas for the family, or when you need a wholesome yet indulgent meal.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups milk or heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until onions are translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk or cream to form a smooth sauce. Cook until thickened.
5. Wash and thinly slice potatoes to 1/8 inch thickness.
6. In the prepared dish, layer half the potatoes, then half the beef mixture, a drizzle of sauce, and a layer of cheese. Repeat.
7. Finish with a final layer of cheese on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, until cheese is golden and potatoes are tender.
10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, slice the potatoes as evenly as possible to ensure they cook uniformly.
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and avoids the graininess that comes from pre-shredded bags.
Letting the casserole rest after baking makes it easier to slice and helps the flavors settle.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy dinner, potato casserole, ground beef, cheesy bake, comfort food