Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole (One-Pan Dinner!)

Craving something cozy, hearty, and family-approved? This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is the ultimate one-pan comfort meal. Think layers of tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, creamy sauce, and melty cheese—baked together until bubbly and golden. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and absolutely perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a no-fuss, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dinner.

This is classic American comfort food at its best: simple, satisfying, and seriously delicious.

Ingredients Overview: Comfort in Every Layer

This dish uses everyday ingredients, but together, they create magic. Let’s look at why each ingredient matters:

Ground Beef

• 80–85% lean ground beef gives the right balance of flavor and richness without being too greasy.

• Browned with onions and garlic to build savory depth before layering.

Potatoes

• Yukon Golds or Russets are best—starchy enough to soften in the oven and absorb flavor, yet firm enough to hold shape.

• Thinly sliced (1/8-inch thick) to cook evenly.

Onion & Garlic

• These aromatics enhance the beef layer with sweet and savory notes.

• Sautéed directly with the ground beef for maximum flavor.

Cheese

• A combo of cheddar and mozzarella works well—sharpness + melt.

• You want a cheese that melts smoothly but also adds flavor.

Cream Sauce

• A homemade mix of milk, cream or sour cream, broth, and seasonings.

• Thickened slightly with flour for that rich, velvety texture.

Optional Add-ins:

• Frozen peas, corn, or green beans for a veggie boost.

• Fresh parsley, thyme, or paprika for added flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: One Pan, Big Flavor

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Dish

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or deep casserole pan.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook:

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (optional).

• Cook until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet (or a saucepan), whisk together:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  (cook 1 min until bubbling)

• Slowly whisk in:

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1/2 cup beef broth

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream

• Cook until slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

• Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In your prepared dish:

1. Spread a layer of thinly sliced potatoes (1/3 of total).

2. Add 1/2 of the cooked ground beef.

3. Pour a portion of the cream sauce.

4. Sprinkle a handful of cheese.

Repeat layers, finishing with potatoes, sauce, and a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.

Use about 3 cups of thin-sliced potatoes and 2 cups shredded cheese total.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

• Cover the dish tightly with foil.

• Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispy cheese top.

Step 6: Let It Rest

• Rest the casserole for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps it set and makes serving easier.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Use a mandoline for even potato slices—this ensures they cook evenly.

• Shred your own cheese—pre-shredded blends contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

• Let it rest before slicing to prevent a runny casserole.

Variations

• Mexican-style: Add taco seasoning to the beef, mix in black beans or corn, and top with pepper jack cheese.

• Loaded Baked Potato: Add crumbled bacon and green onions.

• Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas, diced carrots, or mushrooms between layers.

Substitutions

• Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the sauce.

• Plant-based meat & dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This casserole is a standalone dinner, but it also pairs well with simple sides:

• Green salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness

• Steamed green beans or asparagus

• Garlic bread for extra indulgence

• Apple slices or coleslaw for a fresh contrast

Perfect for:

• Cozy family dinners

• Make-ahead meals

• Potlucks or sharing with neighbors

• Freezer meal prep

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Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish is indulgent, but you can easily adapt it to your health goals:

• Protein-packed: Ground beef and cheese deliver over 25g protein per serving.

• Calcium-rich: Thanks to the cheese, this casserole supports bone health.

• Hearty carbs: Potatoes provide fiber and lasting energy.

• Customizable calories: Use leaner meat and light sour cream to lower fat content.

To make it lighter:

• Use lean ground meat

• Go easy on cheese or use low-fat

• Swap cream for milk + Greek yogurt

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FAQ: Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10–15 minutes to bake time if cold from the fridge.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. Bake first, cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

3. Do I need to cook the potatoes first?

Nope! As long as they’re sliced thin (about 1/8 inch), they’ll cook through in the oven. Just be sure to cover tightly with foil for the first 45 minutes.

4. What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet are ideal. Russets are starchier and fluffier; Golds are creamier and hold shape well.

5. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, but use frozen sliced potatoes (not hash browns) and thaw them first for even cooking.

6. What cheeses work best?

Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend all melt beautifully. Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, while mozzarella gives stretch.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the sauce, and ensure all other ingredients are certified GF.

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