Name: Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled & diced); 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 medium onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables; Salt & pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup milk (2% recommended); 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 10 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe because it combines hearty, comforting flavors with a rich, cheesy texture that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want something satisfying yet simple. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, a creamy sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a cozy, homestyle vibe to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

What I find truly irresistible about this recipe is the way the flavors come together in perfect harmony. The ground beef is seasoned just right with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning, adding a deep, savory base. Then there’s the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream mixture that wraps everything in a luscious sauce. The cheddar cheese sprinkled on top melts into a bubbly, golden crust that makes each bite pure joy. It’s just packed with that classic comfort-food goodness I crave on chilly evenings.

Besides how tasty it is, I really appreciate how straightforward this dish is to prepare. Honestly, the steps are so manageable that it doesn’t feel overwhelming even on a busy day. You can prep it while the oven heats up, and then let it bake away, filling your kitchen with a tempting aroma. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even casual dinner parties where you want something that’s delicious yet fuss-free. Once you try this casserole, I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side kitchen scenes on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a white rectangular baking dish with blue handles, filled with many small, evenly cut pale yellow potato cubes spread out in a single layer. On the right, a green cast iron skillet contains browned ground beef mixed with small cooked onions, topped with a colorful mix of frozen vegetables including green beans, peas, diced carrots, and corn, as well as a small pile of minced garlic in the center. A wooden spoon with engraved text rests on top of the vegetables inside the skillet. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe plays an essential role in creating its irresistible texture, flavor, and color. From the soft russet potatoes to the creamy soup blend and sharp cheddar, every component contributes to the magic.

Russet potatoes: Peeled and diced to create a tender, hearty base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
Lean ground beef: Provides a savory, meaty punch while keeping the dish balanced and not overly greasy.
Medium onion: Chopped and sautéed to add sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
Garlic cloves: Minced for a fragrant lift that enhances the overall savory profile.
Frozen mixed vegetables: Adds subtle color, texture, and a hint of freshness without overpowering the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
Condensed cream of mushroom soup: The creamy backbone that ties everything together with a rich, silky consistency.
Milk: Helps to thin the soup for a perfect sauce texture; I prefer 2% for creaminess without heaviness.
Sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess that balances the beef and potatoes.
Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a subtle umami boost to deepen the flavor.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that complements the beef and cheese beautifully.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded and divided between the sauce and topping for that irresistible cheese pull and golden crust.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle to ensure even baking.

Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish and spread the peeled and diced russet potatoes evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together, breaking the beef into small pieces as it cooks, until it’s nicely browned (about 8 to 10 minutes). Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 4: Add the minced garlic and frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then transfer this mixture evenly over the potatoes in the casserole dish.

Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.

Step 6: Pour this creamy sauce over the beef and potatoes in the casserole dish. Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir and arrange everything into an even layer to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 7: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld.

Step 8: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Taste and add extra salt and pepper if needed to season perfectly.

Servings and Timing

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe serves 8 generous portions, making it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings. Prep time is about 15 to 20 minutes, which includes chopping and browning the beef. The baking takes roughly 55 to 60 minutes, totaling around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes from start to finish. Don’t forget to factor in the 5 to 10 minutes of resting time after baking, which helps the casserole set for easier serving.

How to Serve This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

A close-up view of a creamy baked casserole in a white dish, showing three main layers: the bottom is a soft, creamy mixture with chunks of pale yellow potatoes and bits of browned meat; the middle layer features a rich, thick sauce with a smooth texture blending the ingredients; the top layer is a golden orange melted cheese that looks bubbly and slightly crispy around the edges, sprinkled with small green herb bits. A gold spoon lifts a scoop of the casserole, highlighting the soft potatoes and creamy sauce under the cheese. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this casserole, I like to keep it simple but complementary. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and beef. Roasted or steamed green beans also make a lovely side, adding a fresh crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy potatoes. You can even serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up any cheesy sauce left on the plate.

For garnishes, I often sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving to add a pop of color and a subtle herbal note. If I’m feeling fancy, I might add a few thin slices of ripe avocado or a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess. As for beverages, a medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or Zinfandel complements the beef and cheddar wonderfully, while a cold beer or even a sparkling water with lemon works nicely for a casual meal. This casserole is best enjoyed hot or warm, ensuring the cheese is deliciously gooey and the potatoes are soft but not mushy. I typically serve portions that allow for a filling main course size without feeling too heavy, around one heaping scoop per person.

I think this dish shines at family dinners, cozy holiday meals, or even during weeknight cooking when you want something hearty but need an easy, reliable recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that always invites requests for seconds.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to switch up the beef, ground turkey or chicken work beautifully as lighter alternatives while keeping the same rich flavor. For a vegetarian take, swapping the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms creates a satisfying, earthy texture without losing the savory complexity.

If you need a gluten-free version, just be sure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, or make your own simple creamy sauce with gluten-free broth and a cornstarch slurry. For those seeking a dairy-free or vegan variation, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives and replace sour cream and milk with coconut or almond milk blends. The flavor stays comforting and delicious even with these tweaks.

To play with flavors, I sometimes add a dash of smoked paprika or a little bit of chopped jalapeño for heat, which really livens up the dish. Changing up the vegetables is also fun—you could toss in some chopped bell peppers, corn, or even diced carrots for added sweetness and crunch. As for cooking methods, turning this into individual portions using ramekins makes it excellent for meal prep, and it even reheats beautifully in the air fryer or toaster oven for a delightfully crispy top layer.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Once you have leftovers, I recommend transferring them to an airtight container to keep them fresh. This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing the container to avoid condensation, which can affect texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole if you want to save some for later. After baking, allow it to cool fully, then divide it into individual or family-sized portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F to keep the casserole evenly warmed and preserve the cheesy crust. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 20 to 25 minutes or until hot throughout. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact; it can sometimes make the potatoes gummy and the cheese less appealing. If time is tight, you can microwave briefly and then finish in a toaster oven to crisp the top.

FAQs

Can I use another type of potato instead of russet?

Definitely! While russet potatoes work best because they break down nicely without becoming too mushy, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative. They hold their shape a bit better and have a slightly buttery flavor that complements the creamy casserole well.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator to ensure the potatoes cook through completely.

Can I add other cheeses besides cheddar?

Absolutely! Cheddar is classic and flavorful, but mixing in mozzarella can create a gooier texture, while a sprinkle of Parmesan adds sharpness and a nice golden crust. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.

How spicy is this casserole?

This casserole is mild and family-friendly as written, focusing more on savory and cheesy flavors. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the sauté stage for a subtle kick.

What can I serve this with for a complete meal?

I often pair this casserole with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted root veggies. A light vegetable soup before serving also works well, balancing the richness of the main dish.

Conclusion

I’m so excited for you to try this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe because it’s the perfect blend of comfort, ease, and deliciousness all in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want to impress friends with minimal effort, this casserole hits every note I look for in a meal. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home as it is in mine!