One-Pan Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
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Sometimes, all you want is a big, hearty dish that’ll fill you up and make you feel cozy—this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is exactly that. It’s packed with savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, all layered together to create the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners. It comes together in about an hour, and while it’s baking, you can get a little downtime. No need to hover over the stove!
I’ve been making this casserole for years, and it never disappoints. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time—whether you’re feeding a family, having friends over, or just looking for something easy to throw together on a busy night. What I love most about it is how flexible it is. You can switch out the ground beef for turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat if you want, and it’ll still turn out delicious every time. Plus, the layers of potatoes and cheese give it a rich, satisfying flavor that’s sure to keep you coming back for seconds (or thirds)!
Why You’ll Love Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- Ultimate Comfort Food: With layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese, this casserole is the definition of cozy, filling comfort food.
- Easy and Quick: It takes about an hour from start to finish, making it the perfect weeknight meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required! You’ll only need a skillet and a baking dish, so no mess to deal with afterward.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a big family or having friends over, this casserole is always a hit and never disappoints.
- Hearty and Satisfying: It’s a filling dish that keeps you full for hours, making it the perfect meal after a long day or a busy week.
Ingredients Needed To Make Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Ground beef
- Butter
- Beef stock
- Onion
- Green bell pepper
- Potatoes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Dried thyme leaves
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Heavy cream
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- Cook the Meat: Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper, and butter, and cook until the vegetables are soft.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the spices and beef stock, then let the mixture simmer for a bit to reduce and thicken.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another few minutes.
- Layer the Casserole: In a baking dish, alternate layers of the meat mixture and sliced potatoes. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake until the potatoes are tender. Uncover and bake a little longer to brown the cheese.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this casserole ahead of time! After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and follow the baking instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to account for the cold ingredients.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! This casserole is very versatile when it comes to meat. You can swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat if that’s your preference. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to match the flavor profile of the meat you’re using.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes a great lunch or dinner for the next few days. If you have a larger batch, you can even freeze leftovers for up to a month—just let it cool completely before freezing.
How do I reheat the casserole?
To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and bake it in a preheated oven until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but I find that reheating in the oven helps keep the texture of the potatoes and cheese just right.
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole. Just chop them up and sauté them with the onions and bell peppers before adding them to the casserole. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
What can I serve this casserole with?
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce, making for a filling meal that everyone will love.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to a month. It’s best to freeze it before baking. Just assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the usual baking instructions.
Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Equipment
- Chef’s knife
- vegetable peeler
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese yourself)
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 90/10 — can sub ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based meat
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 1 large onion diced
- ½ green bell pepper diced
- 8 potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cumin
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef.
- Add diced onion, green pepper, and butter. Cook for 5 minutes, until onions are translucent.
- Stir in seasonings: thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour in beef stock, simmer 10 minutes until the mixture reduces slightly and meat breaks down.
- Stir in heavy cream and cook another 5 minutes.
- In the prepared dish, layer potatoes and meat mixture, repeating until full. Top with shredded cheese.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–60 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
- Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Remove from oven, let rest a few minutes, and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole has become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s so easy to make and always hits the spot. Whether I’m feeding the family or just looking for a hearty dinner, it never disappoints. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, so leftovers are a win in my book.
