There’s something deeply satisfying about a simple ground beef and potato casserole. It’s a dish that fills the kitchen with warmth, delivers creamy and hearty flavors, and makes everyone at the table feel at home. Whether you’re preparing dinner after a long day or planning an easy weekend meal, this recipe brings everything together — convenience, flavor, and nostalgia.
This article covers the full recipe, the secrets to getting perfect layers, flavor-enhancing variations, serving ideas, FAQs, and SEO elements for food blog optimization.
The Heart of Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Building Flavor with Simple Ingredients
A great ground beef and potato casserole begins with simple ingredients layered into something special. Ground beef adds richness and depth, while diced potatoes provide structure and softness. Together, they create a balanced foundation that absorbs flavor beautifully. Adding onions and garlic builds the base aroma that defines classic ground beef potato onion casserole recipes.
The combination of salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano gives the casserole its warmth and slight spice. Paprika not only deepens the flavor but also gives a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with the cheddar topping. Cheese brings the dish together — sharp cheddar creates the ideal creamy and savory texture when melted over the beef and potatoes.
Cooking Method and Timing
Cooking the ground beef and potato casserole in a skillet simplifies cleanup while maximizing flavor. Browning the beef before adding other ingredients is key — it creates a caramelized base that infuses the entire dish with savory richness. Once the broth is added and simmered, the potatoes become tender, soaking up all the delicious juices.
Covering the skillet traps steam, helping the potatoes cook evenly without drying out. The final cheese layer melts into a golden, bubbly topping that defines every good ground beef potato cheese casserole.
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Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Hearty and cheesy ground beef and potato casserole – the perfect comfort food for weeknights.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown ground beef.
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
3. Add potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano; stir well.
4. Pour beef broth, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes.
5. Top with cheese; cover again to melt.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use sharp cheddar for best flavor.
Broil uncovered for a crispy top.
Add extra vegetables for color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350
The Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Ingredients for Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup beef broth
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Cooking Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
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Add onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
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Stir in potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix well.
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Pour in beef broth. Cover and cook over low heat for 20–25 minutes.
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Once the potatoes are tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
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Cover again for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts into a creamy layer.
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Casserole
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Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for a fluffy texture.
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For a crispy top, broil uncovered for 3–4 minutes after melting the cheese.
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If you prefer a baked version, layer the mixture in a casserole dish and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
This straightforward approach makes the recipe ideal for beef recipes easy dinners and one-pan family meals.
Delicious Variations and Additions
Creative Flavor Twists
The beauty of this ground beef potato casserole lies in its flexibility. You can easily modify it depending on your mood or pantry supplies.
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4-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole: Simplify with just beef, potatoes, cheese, and onion for a quick, filling dinner.
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Hamburger Potato Cheese Casserole Recipes: Replace beef broth with condensed cream of mushroom soup for a creamy, retro flavor.
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Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder for heat.
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Loaded Casserole: Top with cooked bacon bits, chives, and sour cream for a fully loaded comfort meal.
Diet-Friendly Adjustments
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Swap ground beef for lean turkey or chicken.
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Use low-fat cheese or a smaller amount for reduced calories.
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Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or green beans to boost fiber and color.
These variations ensure your potato and ground beef casserole recipes can be adjusted for taste or diet without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
What to Serve with Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Because this beef potato casserole is hearty on its own, pair it with something light and refreshing.
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A green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
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Roasted or steamed broccoli provides color and nutrition.
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Garlic bread or dinner rolls make perfect sides for scooping up melted cheese.
Beverage Pairings
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Red wines like Merlot or Shiraz complement the beef’s savory flavor.
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For non-alcoholic options, iced tea or sparkling water with citrus helps cleanse the palate.
Storage and Reheating
Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. For a quick option, microwave individual portions until hot.
The casserole also freezes well — wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes it one of the best ground beef and potatoes recipes for meal prep and busy weeks.
Common Questions and Expert Tips
FAQ Section
Can I make ground beef and potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to the point before adding cheese. Cool, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove or oven, add cheese, and let it melt fresh.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
You can use frozen diced or shredded potatoes. Just reduce the broth slightly since frozen potatoes release extra water.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is traditional, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack add great flavor.
How can I make it creamier?
Mix ½ cup sour cream or a can of cream of mushroom soup with the beef mixture before topping with cheese.
Can I bake it instead of using a skillet?
Absolutely. Assemble in a baking dish and bake uncovered at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Expert Tip:
Season each layer — beef, potatoes, and cheese — individually. It ensures balanced seasoning and avoids bland spots.
Conclusion
This ground beef and potato casserole is a dependable, family-approved meal that brings both comfort and satisfaction. It’s flexible enough to adapt to any kitchen and easy enough for weeknight dinners. With minimal ingredients, one pan, and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of dish that never goes out of style.
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