Easy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s also super simple to put together, you’ve got to try this Easy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy soups, and melty cheese. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be a go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you want something both satisfying and fuss-free.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the lowdown on the ingredients for this Easy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe — simple, familiar flavors that come together beautifully every time. Plus, I’ll share a couple of tips on choosing the best versions to make your casserole shine.

• Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 for a nice balance of flavor and juiciness without too much grease.
• Onion: Diced finely so it softens and melts into the beef mixture nicely.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really makes a difference in the flavor here — don’t skip it!
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste preferences as you go.
• Potatoes: Thinly sliced — I like russet potatoes for their texture, but Yukon gold works well too.
• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds earthiness and creaminess; you can find versions with garlic added for extra kick.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Combines with the mushroom soup to create that rich, layered taste.
• Evaporated Milk: Gives the casserole a silky consistency without thinning out the sauce.
• Milk: Helps to loosen up the condensed soups so they coat everything perfectly.
• Shredded Cheese: A blend or just cheddar is wonderful; it melts beautifully and adds a golden crust on top.
• Cooking Spray: To keep your casserole from sticking and to help with easy cleanup.

Variations

I love that this Easy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe is a fantastic canvas for some creative twists. Whether you want to make it lighter, add more veggies, or even swap in different types of cheese, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

• Vegetable Boost: I often sneak in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions to add some extra nutrients and flavor and it never disappoints.
• Cheese Variations: Switching up the cheese to pepper jack or a spicy cheddar gives it a bold taste that my family enjoys on casual weekends.
• Seasoning Swaps: Adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of thyme changes the profile and adds a cozy touch that’s perfect for cooler months.
• Make it Low Carb: If you want to skip the potatoes, try layering with thin slices of zucchini or cauliflower instead; it’s not quite the same but still satisfying!

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef to Perfection

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft and translucent—about 7-10 minutes. Don’t rush this step! Browning the beef well adds so much depth to your casserole. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming soggy. Season with salt and pepper while it’s still warm so the flavors really come through.

Step 2: Layer Your Casserole Like a Pro

Spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks. Lay down a thin layer of the sliced potatoes to cover the bottom. Then, spread half of your cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. This layering is key to getting every bite to balance the tender potatoes with savory beef. It’s kind of like building a lasagna but infinitely easier!

Step 3: Mix Soups and Milks for Creamy Goodness

In a bowl, whisk together the can of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and regular milk until smooth and combined. This dreamy sauce is going to soak into the potatoes and beef, creating that signature creamy texture we all love in this casserole. Pour half of this mixture over the beef layer, then sprinkle half of your shredded cheese on top. Repeat the layers one more time, finishing with cheese right on top.

Step 4: Bake It Right — Slow and Tender

Cover your casserole tent-style with foil (meaning the foil should be a little raised so it’s not touching the cheese). Bake at 375°F for 1 hour. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for 30 more minutes to get that cheese golden and bubbling. The total bake time allows the potatoes to become tender while the sauce thickens perfectly. When it’s done, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing — this helps it set, making serving way easier and less messy.

How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions right before serving—it adds a pop of color and just the right freshness to balance the creamy heaviness. Sometimes, I even add a dollop of sour cream on the side for a tangy contrast that my family can’t get enough of.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty filling on its own, but I often serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed green beans to add a crunchy, fresh element. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp cucumber salad also pair beautifully, making the meal feel balanced without any fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve made individual servings by layering the ingredients into small ramekins. It’s a cute presentation and perfect for portion control. Adding a sprinkle of paprika on top right before baking gives a lovely festive look and a slight smoky aroma that elevates the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling the casserole to room temperature, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps really well for 3-4 days. When I reheat it, I cover it loosely with foil to prevent drying out and heat in the oven for best texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! If I’m making it ahead, I assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, I thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as normal, adding a bit of extra bake time since it starts cold.

Reheating

To keep that fresh-baked feel, I reheat leftovers covered in foil in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the cheese from getting rubbery and the potatoes tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe has become one of those dishes I’m grateful to have in my recipe arsenal — it’s just plain reliable and comforting. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or need a hearty meal with minimal effort, it never lets me down. I hope you give it a try and find it as satisfying and versatile as I do. It’s that kind of recipe you’ll want to hang on to, trust me!

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