Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole! Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering, this dish combines tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. With a rich, creamy texture and a satisfying flavor, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and sour cream. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish.
Spread half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.
Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Vegetable Boost: Layer in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses.
Turkey Option: Substitute ground turkey for beef for a lighter version.
Crispier Top: Sprinkle some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
How do I make sure the potatoes cook evenly?
I slice the potatoes as thinly as possible (about 1/8-inch thick) to ensure they cook through evenly. A mandoline slicer works great for this!
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! I assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, I add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time.
What’s the best way to keep the casserole from being too watery?
I pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel before layering them and make sure not to add too much liquid.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! Yukon Gold potatoes work well since they have a creamy texture, but avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won’t layer as well.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that all seasonings and dairy products are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its creamy layers, rich flavors, and easy preparation, it’s a meal I keep coming back to. Whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, it’s a satisfying dish that never disappoints.
Recipe:
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Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole! Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheddar cheese come together in a rich and creamy dish perfect for weeknights or family gatherings. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this casserole is bound to become a favorite!
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season: Stir in oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix milk and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the potatoes, followed by half the beef mixture and half the cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Bake covered with foil for 40 minutes.
- Uncover & finish baking for another 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Cool & serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices to ensure even cooking.
For a crispier top, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal