Comforting Beef and Potato Casserole – A Hearty Family Favorite!

If you’re looking for a warm, satisfying, and easy dinner, this Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together in a baked dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.

This recipe is budget-friendly, made with simple pantry ingredients, and can be easily customized with extra veggies or different cheeses. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Easy to Make – Just layer, bake, and enjoy!
✔ Hearty & Filling – The perfect comfort food.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day!

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Layer:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Potato Layer:

• 3 large russet potatoes (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

---

How to Make Comforting Beef and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until browned (about 5-6 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Drain any excess grease and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, shredded cheese, and garlic powder.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the baking dish.
2. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
3. Add half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
4. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the beef.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce.

Step 5: Bake

• Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

---

Tips for the Best Beef and Potato Casserole

✔ Slice Potatoes Thin – Use a mandoline slicer for even cooking.
✔ Brown the Beef Well – This adds extra flavor to the dish.
✔ Don’t Skip the Resting Time – Letting it sit helps the layers hold together.
✔ Want Extra Creaminess? – Add ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce.

---

Variations & Add-Ins

Make It Healthier 🥦

• Use ground turkey instead of beef.
• Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes.
• Add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Spicy Version 🌶

• Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the beef.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Make It Extra Cheesy 🧀

• Add an extra ½ cup cheese inside the layers.
• Use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for depth.

---

How to Store & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating

• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Freezing

• Freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

---

FAQs About Beef and Potato Casserole

Q: Can I use hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
A: Yes! Use 4 cups frozen hash browns instead of sliced potatoes. No need to pre-cook them.

Q: What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
A: Cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all work great!

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, then bake when ready.

Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: Garlic bread, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad pair perfectly.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?
A: Drain excess grease from the beef and avoid using watery potatoes like red potatoes.

---

Final Thoughts

This Comforting Beef and Potato Casserole is rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness—a guaranteed family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.

Try it out and let me know how you like it! What’s your favorite casserole? Let’s chat in the comments! 🥔🧀✨

Print