Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer
- Ground Beef – 1 lb
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt & Pepper – To taste
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
For the Potato Layer
- Russet Potatoes – 4 large, peeled and thinly sliced
- Butter – 2 tablespoons, melted
- Salt & Pepper – To taste
For the Cheese Sauce
- Butter – 3 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour – 3 tablespoons
- Milk – 2 cups
- Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon
- Salt & Pepper – To taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until softened.
- Stir in ground beef, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the potatoes.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the beef.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese sauce.
5. Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top, and bake for 15 more minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with garlic bread for extra indulgence.
- Add a dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.
Additional Tips
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a kick.
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You can find more details here.