Ground Beef Potato Casserole
When you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and easy to throw together, this Ground Beef Potato Casserole hits all the right notes. Packed with tender potatoes, savory beef, and melty cheese, it’s one of those timeless beef casserole recipes that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is a must-have in your comfort food collection. And with flexible ingredients and easy prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend comfort dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Potato and Ground Beef Casserole
There’s a reason ground beef and potatoes have been a dinner staple for generations. Together, they create a rich, hearty base that’s easy to customize and incredibly satisfying. This casserole is:
- Budget-friendly with pantry-staple ingredients
- Family-approved and kid-friendly
- Great for prepping ahead or freezing
- One of the most adaptable ground beef casserole ideas you can make
From classic potato and ground beef casserole to fun variations like ground beef hash brown casserole or ground beef potato corn casserole, this recipe is easy to tailor to your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This classic casserole uses simple, everyday ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups diced potatoes (or use frozen hash browns)
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional for the corn version)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of cheddar for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Paprika, for color and a little kick
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Prep the Potatoes
Use peeled and diced fresh potatoes or save time with frozen cubed hash browns. For a ground beef diced potato casserole, par-cook the potatoes slightly in the microwave or stovetop so they bake evenly.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix the cream soup, milk, and half the cheese. You can add corn here for a ground beef potato corn casserole twist.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the potatoes, half the beef mixture, and half the sauce. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with paprika.
Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Variations to Try
- Hash Brown Version: Swap diced potatoes for frozen hash browns to make a ground beef hash brown casserole.
- Cheesy Ranch Style: Add a ranch seasoning packet and top with crispy onions.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Mix in taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
- Healthier Option: Use lean ground beef and low-sodium soup or substitute Greek yogurt.
Why This Is a Favorite Ground Beef Casserole
Among all beef potato casserole recipes, this one stands out for its creamy texture, satisfying flavors, and flexible ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy—simple, hearty, and loaded with comfort.
It also reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers or lunch the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole is more than just an easy dinner—it’s a cozy, all-in-one dish your whole family will love. Whether you prefer a traditional potato and ground beef casserole or want to experiment with a ground beef potato corn casserole, this recipe gives you the perfect starting point.
From busy weeknights to weekend gatherings, this ground beef casserole is one of the most versatile and satisfying meals you can make. Rich, filling, and full of down-home flavor—just the way comfort food should be.
