If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table, this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is exactly what you need. It layers tender, thinly sliced potatoes with seasoned ground beef and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked until golden and bubbling. Every bite is warm, filling, and packed with flavor.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family gatherings. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have, yet delivers a dish that feels homemade, satisfying, and incredibly comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is rich, creamy, and layered with comforting flavors that everyone enjoys.
It’s a complete meal in one dish, combining protein, starch, and a cheesy sauce.
The golden baked top and creamy interior create the perfect texture contrast.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
¾ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
2½ lb russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Ingredient Tips
Russet potatoes work best because they become tender and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
Using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives both flavor and that perfect melty texture.
Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures they cook evenly and become soft without overbaking.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Season the beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well so the seasoning is evenly distributed. Once fully cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until fully melted and creamy. Season with additional salt and black pepper.
Now begin layering the casserole. Place a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish.
Add a layer of cooked ground beef over the potatoes, then pour some of the cheese sauce over the top.
Repeat the layers—potatoes, beef, and sauce—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese sauce on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and cook through.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets and slices more easily.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for balance.
It pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for a touch of freshness.
Tips for Best Results
Slice the potatoes as evenly and thinly as possible to ensure even cooking.
Don’t skip covering the dish during the first part of baking, as this helps the potatoes become tender.
Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the layers hold together beautifully.
Final Words
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your home.
PrintCheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole – The Ultimate Cozy Family Dinner
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp salt
¾ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
2½ lb russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Season the beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well so the seasoning is evenly distributed. Once fully cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until fully melted and creamy. Season with additional salt and black pepper.
Now begin layering the casserole. Place a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish.
Add a layer of cooked ground beef over the potatoes, then pour some of the cheese sauce over the top.
Repeat the layers—potatoes, beef, and sauce—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese sauce on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften and cook through.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets and slices more easily.
