This Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a warm and filling dish that everyone will love! With layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, it’s a real crowd-pleaser.
I love how quick this casserole comes together. Just mix, layer, and bake! Perfect for busy nights when you need a hearty meal without too much fuss. Plus, leftovers are fantastic! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives this casserole its heartiness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken also works great. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP).
Onion and Garlic: These add fantastic flavor. If you’re not an onion fan, try using shallots or omit altogether. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder will work in a pinch.
Frozen Diced Potatoes: These are convenient, but fresh potatoes can be used if you peel and dice them yourself. Sweet potatoes can also be a tasty alternative, adding a slightly different flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic for this dish! If you’re looking for something different, try Monterey Jack or a combination of cheeses for extra flavor. Vegan cheeses are also available for a dairy-free option.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: For a healthier version, opt for a low-sodium brand or make a homemade version. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, try cream of celery or chicken soup as an alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Layer the Ingredients for Maximum Flavor?
Layering is key to ensuring every bite of your casserole is filled with flavor! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a base of the beef mixture to help flavor the potatoes as they cook.
- Spoon half of the potato mixture over the beef, then add more beef on top, followed by the remaining potatoes.
- Finish with a generous layer of cheese to create a beautiful, bubbly crust on top.
This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making sure the bottom layers don’t dry out while baking!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups frozen diced potatoes (or thawed hash browns)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 45-50 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around an hour, making it a great quick meal option during the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Veggies:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the vegetable oil or butter. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it softens. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant—you want that yummy garlic smell!
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat once it’s browned!
4. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika—if you’re using it. Stir until it’s all smooth. Then, mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Combine Everything:
Add your cooked ground beef mixture and frozen diced potatoes into the bowl. Mix everything together until it’s all well combined and coated in that creamy goodness.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the hearty mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top everything off with the remaining cheddar cheese—let’s get it cheesy!
7. Bake Away:
Cover the casserole with foil and pop it into the preheated oven for 35 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is nice, bubbly, and golden brown.
8. Finish and Serve:
Once it’s done, you can garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a nice touch if you want. Let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in! Enjoy your delicious, cheesy ground beef and potato casserole that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. For a vegetarian option, consider substituting with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep it creamy.
What Can I Serve with This Casserole?
This casserole is filling on its own, but for a complete meal, serve it with a simple side salad or steamed veggies. For something heartier, crusty bread or rolls complement it well!
