Easy Beef and Potato Casserole

Imagine the comforting aroma of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes, all baked to perfection with a golden, cheesy crust. This Easy Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty ingredients into one satisfying dish that the whole family will request again and again. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this casserole delivers rich flavors without complicated techniques. You’ll learn how to layer simple ingredients for maximum flavor and discover the secrets to achieving that perfect texture that makes this Easy Beef and Potato Casserole so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Beef and Potato Casserole stands out among dinner options for several compelling reasons. First, it’s genuinely simple to prepare, requiring just one skillet before transferring to a baking dish—meaning fewer dishes to clean afterward! The contrast between the crispy cheese topping and the tender, savory layers beneath creates an irresistible textural experience in every bite.

The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked potatoes offers a balanced meal in a single dish. Parents especially appreciate how this beef and potato bake sneaks in vegetables that even picky eaters will enjoy. The casserole also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights when you need dinner ready with minimal effort.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its adaptability—you can customize it with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator, making it a reliable go-to when you need a satisfying meal without a special shopping trip.

Ingredients

For this delicious Easy Beef and Potato Casserole, gather:

• 1½ pounds ground beef (85% lean recommended)
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

The thinly sliced potatoes are key to ensuring they cook evenly, while the combination of cream of mushroom soup and sour cream creates the perfect creamy base. Choose sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor that stands up to the hearty beef and potatoes.

Pro Tips

Potato Preparation: For the best texture in your Easy Beef and Potato Casserole, slice the potatoes to a uniform thickness of approximately ⅛-inch. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender without falling apart. Using a mandoline slicer is highly recommended for consistent results, but a sharp chef’s knife works well too. If time allows, soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes, then pat dry—this removes excess starch and prevents them from turning brown.

Seasoning Layers: Season each component individually rather than just at the end. This means salting and peppering the beef mixture while cooking and lightly seasoning the potato layers as you assemble. This technique builds flavor throughout the entire beef potato casserole rather than having all the seasoning concentrated in one area.

Perfect Cheese Crust: To achieve that Instagram-worthy golden cheese top, cover your casserole with foil for the first 35 minutes of baking, then remove the foil and add the final cup of cheese. Bake uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes, and if needed, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for an irresistibly bubbly, slightly crispy cheese topping that adds wonderful texture contrast to your casserole.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Gather all ingredients and ensure potatoes are sliced to approximately ⅛-inch thickness for even cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until it begins to brown, then add the diced onions. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and the beef is no longer pink.

Step 3: Complete the Filling

Add minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the beef mixture and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and remove from heat. This seasoned beef mixture forms the flavorful foundation of your Easy Beef and Potato Casserole.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth. This creamy mixture will bind the casserole together and provide moisture for the potatoes to cook properly.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Spread half the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread half the beef mixture over the potatoes, then pour half the creamy sauce on top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and sauce (reserve the remaining cup of cheese for later).

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. This covered baking allows the potatoes to steam and become tender. Then remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top, and continue baking uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fully tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving – this crucial step allows the layers to set and makes serving neater. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve your delicious Easy Beef and Potato Casserole hot, enjoying the wonderful contrast between the crispy cheese top and the savory, tender layers beneath.

Variations

Tex-Mex Twist: Transform your Easy Beef and Potato Casserole into a southwestern delight by replacing the Italian herbs with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning in the beef mixture. Add a can of drained corn, a can of black beans, and substitute the cheddar with a Mexican cheese blend. Top with sliced jalapeños before baking and serve with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and sliced avocado for a complete fiesta of flavors.

Vegetable-Packed Version: For a more nutritious beef and potato bake, incorporate additional vegetables like 2 cups of fresh spinach (wilted), 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (sautéed with the beef), and 1 cup of grated carrots. These vegetables blend seamlessly into the casserole while significantly boosting its nutritional value without compromising the comforting taste that makes this dish so popular with families.

Low-Carb Alternative: Replace the sliced potatoes with cauliflower florets (blanched for 2 minutes) for a keto-friendly version that maintains the comfort food appeal while reducing carbohydrates. The cauliflower absorbs the flavors beautifully while providing a similar texture experience. Just reduce the initial covered baking time to 20 minutes since cauliflower cooks faster than potatoes.

Storage and Serving

This Easy Beef and Potato Casserole stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled completely, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. For freezing, consider portioning into individual servings for easier reheating. When ready to enjoy from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until heated through. The casserole tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

For serving, pair your beef potato casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also complements the hearty casserole beautifully. For a complete comfort food experience, serve with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire Easy Beef and Potato Casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then follow the baking instructions, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

My potatoes aren’t cooking through. What went wrong?
The most common issue is slicing potatoes too thick. Ensure they’re no thicker than ⅛-inch. Also, covering the casserole tightly with foil for the first portion of baking is crucial as it creates steam that cooks the potatoes properly.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a leaner alternative in this beef and potato bake. Just add an extra tablespoon of olive oil when browning the turkey since it contains less fat than beef.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as direct substitutes. For a homemade alternative, make a simple roux with 2 tablespoons each of butter and flour, then whisk in 1½ cups of milk or broth until thickened.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
Insert a knife into the center of the casserole—it should slide easily through the potatoes with no resistance. The top should be golden brown and bubbly, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F when measured with a food thermometer.

Conclusion

This Easy Beef and Potato Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a hearty, satisfying blend of savory beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese that creates pure dinnertime magic with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table eagerly and leaves them completely satisfied, making even the busiest weeknights feel special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, looking for reliable meal prep options, or simply craving something deeply comforting, this casserole delivers on all fronts with its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become your new go-to comfort food classic!

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