Ground Beef and Potato Bake with Creamy Cheese Topping

Imagine sinking your fork into layers of seasoned Ground Beef and Potato Bake with Creamy Cheese Topping, where savory meat meets tender potatoes under a blanket of bubbling, golden cheese. This hearty casserole combines familiar comfort food ingredients in a way that creates the ultimate family-friendly dinner solution. The rich aroma that fills your kitchen as this bake bubbles away in the oven signals that something truly special is on its way to your table. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this satisfying one-dish meal that’s guaranteed to become a regular request in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Beef and Potato Bake with Creamy Cheese Topping is the epitome of comfort food that brings both convenience and satisfaction to your dinner table. The contrast between the seasoned ground beef layer, with its rich umami flavor, and the tender sliced potatoes creates a textural experience that’s both hearty and comforting. The creamy cheese sauce ties everything together, creating those irresistible crispy edges and gooey center that make casseroles so beloved.

What makes this beef and potato casserole truly special is its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for gatherings. The layers of flavor develop beautifully during baking, allowing the seasonings to permeate every bite. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one dish, reducing cleanup time and making it perfect for busy families looking for satisfying homemade meals without hours of kitchen prep.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this potato and beef bake offers foolproof results that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The combination of everyday ingredients transforms into something greater than the sum of its parts, proving that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated to be extraordinary.

Ingredients

For this delicious Ground Beef and Potato Bake with Creamy Cheese Topping, you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
• 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups (360ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
• 2 cups (8 oz/225g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup (2 oz/56g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The quality of your ground beef matters – choosing one with some fat content ensures a juicy, flavorful base. Russet potatoes are ideal for this bake as they hold their shape while becoming tender and absorbing the savory flavors around them.

Pro Tips

Master the Meat Base: When browning your ground beef for the Ground Beef and Potato Bake with Creamy Cheese Topping, resist the urge to stir constantly. Allow the meat to develop a caramelized crust by letting it sit undisturbed for a minute or two before breaking it up. This creates deeper flavor and better texture in your final dish. Also, drain excess fat after browning but leave about a tablespoon in the pan to sauté your onions and garlic – this infuses them with meaty flavor.

Perfect Potato Preparation: For evenly cooked potatoes, slice them to a consistent thickness (about 1/8 inch). Using a mandoline slicer makes this task much easier and produces uniform slices that will cook at the same rate. After slicing, rinse the potatoes in cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess starch. This prevents the casserole from becoming gummy and helps the potatoes maintain their distinct layers.

Cheese Sauce Secrets: The key to a smooth, creamy cheese topping is gradual incorporation. When making your roux, ensure the flour cooks for at least a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Then add your liquid slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. When incorporating cheese, remove the pan from heat first and add cheese in handfuls, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. This prevents the sauce from breaking and ensures that silky texture that makes this potato and beef casserole irresistible.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your Ground Beef and Potato Bake with Creamy Cheese Topping won’t stick and will develop those delicious crispy edges everyone fights over.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Brown the meat, breaking it into crumbles but allowing it to develop some caramelization before stirring too much. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium and add onions to the reserved drippings. Cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the ground beef to the pan and stir in thyme, half the paprika, and oregano. Mix well and remove from heat.

Step 4: Prepare Potatoes
While the beef cooks, slice your potatoes into thin, uniform rounds. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess starch. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to coat evenly.

Step 5: Create the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Gradually whisk in milk and beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar and all the Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the seasoned ground beef mixture on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer half of the potato slices on top, slightly overlapping them. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with remaining beef, potatoes, and cheese sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top and dust with the remaining paprika.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let your Ground Beef and Potato Bake with Creamy Cheese Topping rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Variations

Mediterranean Twist: Transform your Ground Beef and Potato Bake with Creamy Cheese Topping by incorporating Mediterranean flavors. Add 1/2 cup of chopped roasted red peppers and 1/4 cup of sliced Kalamata olives to the ground beef mixture. Replace the cheddar with a combination of feta and mozzarella cheeses, and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried Greek oregano over the top before baking. This variation brings a bright, tangy dimension to the classic comfort dish.

Loaded Baked Potato Style: Embrace the flavors of a loaded baked potato by adding 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon to your beef mixture. Include 2 finely sliced green onions in the cheese sauce and top the finished casserole with a dollop of sour cream and additional green onions just before serving. This version of the potato and ground beef casserole captures all the indulgent flavors of your favorite loaded potato in a hearty, family-style format.

Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, substitute the ground beef with 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms (portobello or cremini work best) mixed with 1 cup of cooked lentils. This combination provides a similar hearty texture and umami flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth in the cheese sauce to maintain the meat-free integrity of this satisfying alternative.

Storage and Serving

Your Ground Beef and Potato Bake with Creamy Cheese Topping can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best results when reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the top. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, though this method won’t maintain the crispy texture.

For freezing, let the bake cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.

When serving this hearty beef and potato casserole, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a more substantial meal, add steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts on the side. This bake also pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread for sopping up any extra cheese sauce – garlic bread makes an especially delicious companion.

For a special touch when entertaining, serve individual portions in ramekins with a small side salad for an elegant presentation of this comforting classic.

FAQs

Can I prepare this Ground Beef and Potato Bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, covered, until you’re ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. You can also pre-cook the beef mixture and prepare the cheese sauce separately, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before final assembly.

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal for this Ground Beef and Potato Bake with Creamy Cheese Topping because they hold their shape while becoming tender. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good alternative as they offer a naturally buttery flavor. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they don’t absorb the flavors as well.

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version, though you may want to add a bit more seasoning as these meats are milder. Ground lamb creates a shepherd’s pie-like variation with rich flavor. For any substitution, maintain the same cooking method to develop proper flavor.

Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
This typically happens when cheese is added to a too-hot base or heated too quickly. Always remove your sauce from heat before adding cheese and incorporate it gradually. Using pre-shredded cheese (which contains anti-caking agents) can also cause graininess; freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use 1 tablespoon instead of 2). Ensure your beef broth is also gluten-free, as some commercial brands contain wheat-based ingredients. The rest of the ingredients in this beef potato bake are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Potato Bake with Creamy Cheese Topping is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of savory ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and rich, velvety cheese that creates a deeply satisfying meal in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation and sends them away with that distinctive feeling of being truly nourished. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing casserole for your next gathering, this hearty bake delivers both incredible flavor and the warm embrace of homestyle cooking that we all crave.

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