If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that feels like a big, delicious hug from the inside, this Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It perfectly balances hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese in one irresistible, layered casserole. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is bound to become a favorite with its creamy textures, rich flavors, and simple yet satisfying ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the savory ground beef to the soft potatoes and melty cheddar cheese, every element contributes to making this Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe truly unforgettable.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the rich, savory backbone of the casserole.
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Create tender, hearty layers that soak up all the flavors.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances and balances the flavors throughout.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and spice.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth and color.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Brings a creamy base that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness to the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping): Delivers that classic melty cheese experience everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens and smooths out the creamy mixture.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing): Prevents sticking and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
How to Make Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil, ensuring the casserole won’t stick and the edges turn nice and crispy.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef while breaking it up with a spoon for even cooking. Once browned, drain excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring and cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and paprika, then give everything a good mix before removing the beef mixture from heat. These simple seasonings bring out the savory depth that makes the casserole so delicious.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk in a separate bowl until smooth. This creamy mixture is what gives the casserole its luscious, velvety texture.
Step 5: Layer Your Casserole
Start with half of the sliced potatoes, spreading them evenly in the baking dish. Follow with half the ground beef mixture, then half the creamy sauce. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers—potatoes, beef, sauce—finishing with a final thick layer of cheddar cheese on top to achieve that perfectly bubbly golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly. This step locks in moisture while giving you that irresistible cheese topping.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let your casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before scooping generous portions onto plates. This rest time helps everything set so each serving holds beautifully and the flavors meld together.
How to Serve Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can brighten up this hearty casserole wonderfully. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of green and a hint of fresh flavor. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a little heat if you like a spicy twist.
Side Dishes
This Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe is a meal in itself but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. A crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls can also complement the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins or bake the casserole in mini cast iron skillets. This adds a charming touch that’s perfect for casual dinners or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it, then wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating slowly in the oven helps maintain that wonderful texture and melted cheese top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese adds a classic flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend to suit your taste. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese for that gooey texture.
Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce if you prefer. The soup adds creaminess and flavor, but feel free to adapt based on dietary needs or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. Keep the creamy sauce and potatoes for that comforting texture.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Thinly sliced potatoes, about 1/8 inch thick, ensure they cook evenly and become tender during baking. Using a mandoline slicer can make this step quick and consistent.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just let it come to room temperature for 20 minutes before popping it in the oven for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s deceptively simple yet incredibly comforting. You’ll love how it brings together familiar ingredients into a cozy, flavorful dish that feels like home. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become your go-to recipe for chilly nights and family gatherings alike.
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Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Beef Potato Cheese Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it bakes to golden bubbly perfection and delivers rich flavors with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Potatoes and Sauce
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, then cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Season the beef: Stir in salt, black pepper, and paprika to the beef mixture. Once seasoned, remove it from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a separate bowl, blend together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well combined.
- Layer the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly as the base layer. Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Pour half of the creamy mushroom sauce over the beef, and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, sauce, and top it off with extra cheddar cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set and cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, cheesy comfort meal!
Notes
- Make sure to slice the potatoes evenly and thinly to ensure they cook thoroughly within the baking time.
- You can use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef and low-fat sour cream.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
