This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a warm and comforting dinner! It includes layers of tasty ground beef and soft potatoes, all smothered in cheesy goodness.
What I love about this dish is how simple it is to make. Just layer everything and bake! Plus, it’s always a hit with my family—they can’t resist that melty cheese! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option or ground turkey for a lighter choice. I tend to mix it up based on what I have on hand.
Potatoes: I love using Russet potatoes for their texture. They hold up well during baking. However, you can easily swap them for Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer a creamier texture or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
Onion: A medium onion adds a lot of flavor. If you want a milder taste, you can use green onions or shallots instead. For a pop of color, try adding a diced bell pepper as well.
Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, homemade white sauce or cream of chicken soup works well too. There are also gluten-free versions if needed!
Chedder Cheese: While I prefer sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor, you can use any cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Mixing cheeses can also give a great flavor combination.
How Do I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Tender?
Getting the potatoes tender is essential in this casserole! Slicing them thinly (about 1/8 inch) helps them bake evenly. Here are some tips:
- After slicing, soak the potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and makes them crispier.
- Layering the potatoes with enough liquid prevents them from becoming dry. The soup and milk mixture creates a steamy environment.
- Cook covered for the first part. This traps steam, helping the potatoes cook through. Remove the foil to let the cheese get nice and golden!
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the layers to settle, making it easier to serve.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Potatoes: 4 cups thinly sliced (about 4 medium potatoes)
- Condensed Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded, divided
- Seasonings: 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- Olive Oil or Butter: 2 tbsp
- Fresh Parsley: optional, for garnish
Time Estimated
This casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of cooking time. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, perfect for a busy evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This will help make sure your casserole doesn’t stick!
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef
Add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet and use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Cook until browned and no longer pink, seasoning with salt, pepper, and if you like, some paprika for an extra kick.
4. Mix the Soup and Milk
In a separate bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup of milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Layer the Casserole
Now it’s time to assemble! Start by spreading half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Then, layer the cooked ground beef mixture on top of the potatoes, followed by half of the soup and milk mixture.
Next, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer. Follow this up with the remaining sliced potatoes, then pour the rest of the soup mixture over them. Finally, top with the remaining cheddar cheese for that delicious meltiness!
6. Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s finished baking, carefully take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set a bit. If you like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pretty touch!
Enjoy your comforting, cheesy ground beef and potato casserole! It’s sure to be a family favorite!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the meat type varies.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Mushroom Soup?
No worries! You can use homemade white sauce or other cream soups, like cream of chicken or celery. If you want, mix in some seasonings to enhance the flavor!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or a meat substitute. You can also add some beans for extra protein!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions! Enjoy your cooking!
