Get ready to meet your new family favorite. This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, layering savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce into one irresistible dish. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to assemble, making it the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. If you’re searching for a meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile, this is it. It’s a hug in a dish, guaranteed to disappear fast!
We’ve designed this recipe to be straightforward and packed with flavor. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Let’s dive in and make a dinner that your family will ask for again and again.
Why This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another casserole recipe; it’s a game-changer for your dinner rotation. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole from the very first bite.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, and a rich, cheesy sauce creates layers of deep, savory flavor.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein and tender potatoes, this dish is a complete meal that will leave everyone feeling full and happy.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels. It’s the perfect dish for a stress-free weeknight meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a regular family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this casserole fits the bill. It’s pure comfort food that everyone loves. For another crowd-pleasing casserole, check out our classic Tater Tot Casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this delicious Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
For the Beef and Potato Base:
- Ground Beef: We recommend using 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and leanness.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best. They hold their shape well and become perfectly tender when baked.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational flavor of the dish. Don’t skip them!
- Seasoning: A simple blend of salt, black pepper, and paprika adds just the right amount of warmth and flavor.
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- Butter & Flour: These create a simple roux to thicken our homemade sauce.
- Milk: Use whole milk for the richest, creamiest texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but feel free to use a blend of your favorites like Monterey Jack or Colby.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret ingredient that adds a wonderful depth and umami flavor to the beef.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Step-by-Step
Making this casserole is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time. We’ll walk you through browning the beef, making the cheese sauce, and assembling it all into a delicious baked dish.
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and thinly slice your potatoes, and dice your onion and mince the garlic. Shred your cheese if you bought it in a block.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they are just barely fork-tender. Drain them well and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add the diced onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked beef mixture, the par-cooked potatoes, and the cheese sauce. Pour everything into a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown on top. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Casserole
Want to make your Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole even better? Here are a few expert tips to ensure it’s a smashing success.
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Par-boiling the potatoes is key. You want them just slightly tender, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Over-boiling will result in mushy potatoes.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. For the smoothest, meltiest cheese sauce, buy a block and shred it yourself.
- Let it Rest: This is crucial! Letting the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven allows it to set. This makes it much easier to serve and improves the texture.
- Get a Golden Top: If you like your cheese topping extra brown and crispy, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
Fun Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Switch up the Meat: Try using ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
- Add Some Veggies: Stir in some frozen corn, peas, or green beans with the beef mixture for an extra serving of vegetables.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese blends. Smoked gouda, pepper jack, or a mix of mozzarella and provolone would all be delicious. This recipe would also be great with some creamy mashed potatoes on the side.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete and balanced meal, consider serving it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed or roasted vegetables like our simple Air Fryer Broccoli. A side of crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftovers? You’re in luck! This casserole tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or place the entire casserole dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. The foil prevents the top from getting too brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. For best results, bake the casserole and allow it to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
The casserole is done when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese topping is fully melted and has started to turn golden brown.
For a quicker option, you can substitute the homemade sauce with one 10.5-ounce can of condensed cheddar cheese soup mixed with 1/2 cup of milk. While we prefer the flavor of the homemade version, this shortcut works in a pinch!
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are the best choices for this casserole. They are starchy enough to become tender and creamy but sturdy enough to hold their shape after baking.
More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole, you’re going to love our other comfort food classics. From hearty soups to delicious bakes, we have something for every craving. We hope this dish becomes a staple in your home. Don’t forget to share your creations and follow us on Pinterest for more delicious inspiration!
Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole (The Ultimate Comfort Food)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Place the sliced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain well.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, the drained potatoes, and the cheese sauce. Gently stir to combine everything, then pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't over-boil the potatoes in the first step, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Tip 3: Let the casserole rest before serving to allow it to set, making it easier to slice.
