15 Best Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Tips – Easy Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade ground beef and potatoes casserole with this easy, step-by-step guide. Perfect for beginners & packed with flavor!

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! This hearty ground beef and potatoes casserole combines savory seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and a delicious blend of cheeses for a meal that will satisfy the entire family. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly dinner option or a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights, this classic ground beef and potatoes casserole delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. The combination of simple ingredients transforms into a mouthwatering dish that has stood the test of time as a family favorite across generations. Ready in just about an hour, this homemade casserole is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

• Ready in just 60 minutes – perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
• Budget-friendly meal using affordable ingredients that feed a crowd
• Versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings
• Make-ahead friendly – prepare in advance and bake when needed
• Kid-approved comfort food that even picky eaters will enjoy
• Packed with protein and nutrients for a balanced one-dish meal
• Freezes beautifully for convenient meal prep
• No complicated techniques required – ideal for beginner cooks
• Hearty and filling – the best way to make ground beef and potatoes casserole at home
• Yields delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

For the Beef Layer:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20 recommended for best flavor)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Potato Layer:

• 2.5 pounds russet potatoes (about 5-6 medium potatoes), thinly sliced (⅛ inch thickness)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Dietary Alternatives:

• For a gluten-free ground beef and potatoes casserole, ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free
• For a lower-carb option, substitute half the potatoes with sliced turnips or cauliflower
• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese alternatives and olive oil instead of butter
• For a leaner meal, opt for 93% lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey

How to Make Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into thin, uniform rounds (about ⅛ inch thick). For best results, use a mandoline slicer for consistent thickness. In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with melted butter, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Season the Beef

Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine. Add tomato paste and beef broth, stirring until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Layer half of the seasoned potato slices on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Pour the ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. Arrange the remaining potato slices on top of the beef layer, overlapping slightly.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the combined cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top layer of potatoes. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Bake the covered casserole for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

• Slice potatoes uniformly – For even cooking, ensure all potato slices are the same thickness. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for this task.
• Don’t skip the resting time – The 10-minute rest period allows the casserole to set properly and makes it much easier to serve in neat portions.
• Season each layer – For maximum flavor, ensure both the potato and beef layers are well-seasoned independently.
• Use a mixture of cheeses – The combination of sharp cheddar, melty mozzarella, and savory Parmesan creates the perfect cheese topping.
• Brown the beef properly – Take the time to get a good caramelization on the ground beef for enhanced flavor.
• Drain excess fat – If using higher-fat beef, drain after browning to prevent a greasy casserole.
• Test potato doneness – Insert a fork or knife into the center of the casserole to ensure the potatoes are completely tender before removing from the oven.
• Create a make-ahead version – Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready (add 10-15 minutes to the baking time).
• Add vegetable boost – Mix 1-2 cups of frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) into the beef mixture for added nutrition.
• Use fresh herbs when possible – While dried herbs work well, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add exceptional flavor to the potato casserole.

Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

The best way to serve ground beef and potatoes casserole is straight from the oven while it’s still hot and the cheese is perfectly melted. This complete meal works beautifully with simple accompaniments:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich casserole
• Steamed green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add color and nutrition
• Crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the savory sauce
• For a casual gathering, serve with pickles, coleslaw, and corn on the cob
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess
• For a more substantial meal, pair with our [Mediterranean Quinoa Salad] or [Roasted Vegetable Medley]

This casserole is also excellent for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you need to feed a crowd on a budget.

Nutritional Information for Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Per serving (recipe serves 8):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Calcium: 250mg
• Iron: 3.5mg

This ground beef casserole is a good source of protein and essential nutrients. For a lower-calorie ground beef and potatoes casserole, use lean ground beef (93% lean) and reduce the cheese by half.

Storage & Leftovers

Properly stored, ground beef and potatoes casserole makes excellent leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Portion into individual servings before freezing for easy reheating.
• Reheating from refrigerated: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Reheating from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above, or reheat from frozen by covering with foil and baking at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until heated through.
• Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and freeze one whole casserole for a future dinner. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs for Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole

Can I make this ground beef and potatoes casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

What can I use instead of ground beef in this casserole?

Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based meat alternatives all work wonderfully in this recipe. For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with 2 cups of cooked lentils mixed with 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture and flavor.

Can I use different types of potatoes for this casserole?

Yes! While russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture, you can substitute with Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor or red potatoes for a firmer texture. Sweet potatoes also work well for a twist on the classic recipe, providing extra nutrients and a touch of sweetness.

Can I freeze ground beef and potatoes casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes exceptionally well. For best results, cool completely, then cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or bake from frozen at 350°F for about 1 hour until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you love this ground beef and potatoes casserole, try these other comforting dishes:

• [Classic Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef]
• [One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff]
• [Easy Cheesy Potato Gratin]
• [Italian Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole]
• [Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole]

Conclusion

Now you know how to make the best ground beef and potatoes casserole at home! This hearty, comforting dish combines simple ingredients into a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese, this casserole delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between convenience and taste. We’d love to hear how your casserole turned out! Leave a comment below with your experience or any modifications you made to make this recipe your own. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family looking for an easy, delicious dinner solution!

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