Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Introduction

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserserole is the ultimate comfort food classic, perfect for any night of the week. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that combines savory ground beef with tender potatoes and plenty of melted cheese. You’ll love its minimal prep and straightforward steps, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. This family-friendly recipe brings deliciousness to your table with ease. Get ready to dive into a warm, cheesy dinner that everyone will ask for again and again, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort and truly satisfying appetites!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

This delicious Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a weeknight savior! Here’s why it will become a regular in your rotation for satisfying, effortless family dinners:

• Quick 10-Minute Prep: You can have this hearty dish ready for the oven in hardly any time, perfect for busy schedules.
• Simple, Budget-Friendly Ingredients: It uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients, saving you money and stress.
• Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Food: Layers of gooey, melted cheese make every single bite incredibly satisfying and truly irresistible.
• Picky Eater Approved: Kids and adults alike will happily devour this classic, hearty casserole. It’s a guaranteed hit!
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt it to fit your family’s preferences or what you already have on hand in your fridge.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole. They’re all easy to find at any grocery store and come together for a wonderfully savory and truly hearty meal.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (28oz) bag frozen cubed potatoes with onions & peppers
• 1 (10.5oz) can cheddar cheese soup
• 1 (10.5oz) can cream of celery soup (or mushroom)
• 2+ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Seasoning to taste (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)

Notes & Substitutions

Frozen Potatoes: The frozen cubed potatoes with onions and peppers add convenience and extra flavor. You can easily swap these for plain frozen diced potatoes or even hash browns. Just ensure they are not completely frozen solid when mixing.

Condensed Soups: Cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or even cream of onion soup work wonderfully if you don’t have cream of celery on hand. The cheddar cheese soup is truly essential for that rich, cheesy base in this dish.

Shredded Cheese: While sharp cheddar cheese offers a fantastic, robust flavor, feel free to use a Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a mild Mexican blend for a different twist on this comforting ground beef and potato bake.

Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture, but 90/10 works well too. Always remember to drain any excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy casserole.

Seasonings: Don’t skip the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning the beef. A pinch of onion powder or paprika can also greatly enhance the overall taste of this hearty beef and potato casserole.

Equipment Needed

Making this delicious cheesy beef and potato casserole is wonderfully simple, requiring just a few standard kitchen tools. You likely already have most of these on hand, making prep a breeze for this family-favorite meal.

• Large skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Creating this comforting Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to get a delicious and satisfying dinner on the table in no time at all.

1. Prep the Oven and Dish: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes for a much easier cleanup later.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until no longer pink. Season the beef generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder during this step to build a strong, flavorful base for your ground beef and potato casserole.
   To ensure food safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3. Drain Excess Grease: Once the beef is fully cooked and nicely browned, carefully drain most of the excess grease from the skillet. You can use a paper towel to dab it up or tilt the pan and scoop it out. This keeps your casserole from being too oily.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a spacious large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and well-drained ground beef, the entire bag of frozen cubed potatoes (no need to thaw them beforehand), both cans of condensed soup (cheddar cheese and cream of celery/mushroom), and precisely half of your shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together gently until they are well combined and evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the potatoes to break down too much.
6. Spread into Dish: Transfer the entire delicious mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out so there’s a consistent layer throughout, ensuring every bite is balanced.
7. Top with Remaining Cheese: Generously sprinkle the remaining cup or more of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole mixture. Feel free to add as much or as little cheese as you prefer – we won’t judge your cheesy cravings!
8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. This initial covered baking helps the potatoes cook through thoroughly and allows the flavors to truly meld together beautifully.
9. Bake Uncovered: Carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is wonderfully bubbly, melted, and starts to turn a beautiful golden brown color.
10. Optional Broil: For an extra crispy, deeply golden-brown cheese topping, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch it very closely to prevent any burning. Remove the Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle perfectly.

Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

Achieve a perfect beef and potato casserole every single time with these helpful, easy-to-follow tips from Sweet Emily:

• Properly Drain Ground Beef: Don’t skip draining the fat! Excess grease can make your casserole oily and less appealing. According to food experts, draining excess fat from ground beef is crucial for a less greasy and more palatable dish.
• Don’t Overmix Ingredients: Gently combine the mixture to keep the potatoes from turning to mush, preserving their texture for a hearty bite.
• Achieve Golden Brown Cheese: For that irresistible crispy topping, bake uncovered until beautifully golden or use the broiler for a few minutes.
• Add Frozen Veggies Directly: If adding extra frozen vegetables like corn or peas, you can toss them right into the mixture without needing to thaw them first.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt, pepper, or other spices as needed. Remember the soups already contain some sodium.
• Ensure Potatoes are Tender: The covered baking time is crucial for perfectly tender potatoes throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this hearty potato and ground beef casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Serve it alongside simply steamed or roasted vegetables like fresh broccoli or tender green beans.
• Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any delicious, cheesy sauce left on the plate.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a touch of vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor.

Storage & Reheating

• Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer any delicious leftovers to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate promptly for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and quality.
• For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or microwave for quick, single servings.

Variations

• Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
• Boost nutrition and texture by adding diced carrots, peas, or corn directly to the mixture.
• Experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a smoked gouda for unique tastes.
• Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Incorporate different soup flavors, such as cream of mushroom with roasted garlic, for an extra savory depth.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the nutritional values provided below are estimates and can vary significantly based on specific ingredients, exact portion sizes, and individual preparation methods. This easy beef and potato casserole is a satisfying source of protein and carbohydrates, offering a hearty and filling meal for the whole family. Consider pairing it with a simple side of fresh vegetables to complete your balanced and wholesome dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use fresh potatoes? Yes, but they will require extra preparation. You’ll need to peel, dice, and par-boil them for about 5-7 minutes before adding to the mixture to ensure they cook through.
• What kind of frozen potatoes? Frozen cubed potatoes with onions and peppers (often called O’Brien style hash browns), plain diced potatoes, or even shredded hash browns all work beautifully for this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole.
• Can I prepare this casserole ahead? Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
• Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Yes, it is very freezer-friendly! Assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.
• How to make it spicier? To add a kick, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper, some red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce directly into the ground beef mixture while cooking.
• What if I don’t have two different soups? You can definitely use two cans of the same soup (e.g., two cream of celery). Alternatively, use one can of soup plus half a cup of milk or broth mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch for extra thickening.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole truly delivers on comfort, ease, and deliciousness, making it a perfect family meal. It’s the ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy families and a fantastic way to satisfy everyone at the table with minimal fuss. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, Sweet Emily makes it easy to bring a hearty, homemade meal to life. Give this incredibly satisfying recipe a try tonight and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We love hearing from you and seeing your wonderful creations.

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Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

A hearty and comforting casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, frozen potatoes, a creamy cheese sauce, and a generous topping of shredded cheddar, baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a family meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• 9×13 baking dish
• skillet
• Large bowl
• Foil
• paper towel

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 bag frozen cubed potatoes with onions & peppers (28oz)
• 1 can cheddar cheese soup (10.5oz)
• 1 can cream of celery soup (10.5oz) (or mushroom)
• 2+ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• seasoning to taste

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
• In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, then season to taste and drain excess grease.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, frozen potatoes, both cans of soup, and half of the shredded cheese, mixing in additional seasoning as desired.
• Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is browned.

Notes

This casserole is easily customizable; feel free to experiment with different seasonings or types of cream soup. For extra crispiness, broil the cheese topping for a few minutes at the end.

Carlos Hernandez

A 40-year-old chef from Mexico City, has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of Mexican cuisine. Raised in a family with a deep passion for cooking, Carlos drew inspiration from the traditional recipes passed down by his grandmother. After studying culinary arts and gaining experience in top Mexican restaurants, he pursued his dream of opening his own restaurant, Sabor de Tradición. Here, he combines authentic Mexican flavors with modern culinary techniques. Carlos is renowned for his creativity and unwavering commitment to honoring his heritage while also pushing the boundaries of Mexican cuisine