If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that brings everyone to the table, this Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you want a warm dish that fills the house with cozy aromas and pleases just about every taste bud. The blend of tender beef, soft potatoes, and melty cheese makes it a go-to classic I always enjoy revisiting.

A baked dish is shown in a white rectangular ceramic dish with handles. The top layer is melted golden yellow cheese with a shiny texture, mixed unevenly with brown ground meat pieces and some thin round slices of light yellow potatoes. The layers beneath are not visible, but the surface shows the potato slices and meat partially covered by cheese. The dish sits on a folded beige cloth on a dark wooden table. In the background, there are raw potatoes, onions, green leafy herbs, and a can with a red, white, and blue label, all slightly blurred. The scene has warm lighting and a cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 1:1 --v 7 — Beef and Potato Casserole, hearty beef and potato bake, comforting casserole recipe, cheesy beef potato dish, family dinner casserole

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In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

This Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures to create a satisfying meal that feels both special and simple. I love how each bite delivers juicy beef mingled perfectly with soft, creamy potatoes, all topped with a toasty golden crust of cheddar cheese that brings everything together.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: Browning the beef with onion first locks in flavor and moisture, avoiding a dry texture.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: Baking uncovered at the end lets the cheese brown beautifully for that perfect crust.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Pantry staples like cream of mushroom soup and garlic powder create a rich, comforting sauce with minimal effort.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Easy prep makes it great for busy nights, but the hearty flavors shine just as well for more relaxed meals.

Ingredients at a Glance

Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image — Beef and Potato Casserole, hearty beef and potato bake, comforting casserole recipe, cheesy beef potato dish, family dinner casserole

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients really elevates this Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe. Opt for potatoes that hold their shape well and beef that's fresh to enhance the overall texture and flavor.

Ground beef: Choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy flavor without too much grease.
Onion: Fresh, firm onions lend sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Potatoes: Russets or Yukon Gold work great for thin slicing and tender results.
Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creamy richness and binds the casserole layers.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk balances the soup for a smooth sauce.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, shredded for the melty, golden top.
Seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper): These bring warmth and subtle smokiness without overpowering.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1 — Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the beef apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions turn translucent, about 7–8 minutes. This step is crucial because the beef develops deep flavor here, and you’ll want to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 2 — Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple sauce not only holds the casserole together but also infuses it with warmth and luscious creaminess. I like to taste a small spoonful here to ensure the seasoning balances well before layering everything.

Step 3 — Layer Your Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Begin with half of the thinly sliced potatoes, spreading them evenly. Next, spread the browned beef and onion mixture over the potatoes. Finish the layering by adding the remaining potato slices on top. You’ll notice this layering helps the potatoes cook evenly, soaking in all those savory juices beneath.

Step 4 — Add Sauce, Cover, and Bake

Pour the creamy mushroom sauce evenly over the top layers and cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour. The foil cover traps steam and gently cooks the potatoes through without drying the beef. Resist the temptation to uncover too early — patience rewards you with tender layers.

Step 5 — Cheese It and Finish Baking

After 1 hour, remove the foil carefully and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered for another 15 minutes. This step creates a bubbling, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. When the cheese is melted and slightly browned, your casserole is ready to enjoy.

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Things to Remember

To nail this Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe every time, certain small steps can make a big difference. Watch for potato thickness—too thick and they won’t cook through; too thin and they risk becoming mushy. Take time to properly brown your beef, and don’t skip the resting time after baking so flavors meld.

Doneness Cue: Potatoes should be fork-tender when you remove the foil after baking the first hour.
Temperature Trick: Maintain your oven’s 350°F for even cooking without drying out the casserole.
Make-Ahead Move: Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate; bake straight from the fridge, just add 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
Common Pitfall: Avoid skipping the cheese step — it’s key for that satisfying finish everyone loves.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches for This Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chives on top right after baking — it adds a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness. A dash of hot sauce or a small dollop of sour cream on the side also complements the flavors beautifully, especially if your family enjoys a bit of tang or heat.

Plays Well With

A crisp green salad or steamed green beans make a fantastic contrast to this hearty casserole. For something heartier, roasted carrots or a simple coleslaw bring refreshing crunch. The key is balancing the richness of the beef and potatoes with lighter, brighter sides.

Simple Plating Upgrades

On busy nights, serve the casserole straight from the dish, garnished with fresh herbs. For special occasions, slice into neat squares and plate individually with a drizzle of gravy or a sprinkle of extra cheese. Adding a colorful side on the plate creates visual appeal and invites smiles around the table.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The potatoes might soften a bit more overnight, but the flavors deepen wonderfully. When you reheat, be gentle to keep the texture inviting.

Freezing Tips

This Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe freezes well before adding cheese. Freeze in a tightly sealed container or wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake and add cheese fresh for best quality.

Reheating Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe Without Drying Out

To reheat without drying, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. In the microwave, cover loosely to retain moisture and heat in intervals. You can also use an air fryer at 320°F for about 12 minutes, uncovered at the end for crispiness, but watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives a classic flavor and melty texture, mozzarella or a blend like Monterey Jack works well too. Just choose a cheese that melts nicely to keep that gooey topping.

Do I need to peel the potatoes before slicing?

Peeling is optional. I usually leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients, especially with Yukon Gold potatoes, but russets cooked well with skins on too. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before slicing.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You might want to boost seasoning and add mushrooms for extra umami to keep that rich flavor balance.

How do I know when the potatoes are cooked through?

A simple fork test works best: poke a few potato slices through the foil after the baking hour, and if the fork goes in easily without resistance, they’re done. If not, bake a little longer before adding cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug — effortlessly comforting with homey flavors that never go out of style. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping a cozy dinner for one, it’s delicious, flexible, and straightforward. Give it a try on your next cooking day, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorites to revisit again and again.

Full Printable Recipe