The smell of warm potatoes and beef makes my kitchen feel extra cozy. The soft layers and creamy texture make every bite taste like comfort.
I first made this on a rainy evening when I wanted something filling and simple. My family loved how hearty it was, and it quickly became one of our favorite dinners.
Come with me and I’ll show you how to make this easy casserole. It’s warm, tasty, and perfect for a comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recip
- Reader Favorite: As one reader shared, “This casserole is pure comfort on a plate.”
- Creamy and Hearty: The combination of tender ground beef, fluffy potatoes, and rich mushroom sauce creates a comforting masterpiece.
- Quick to Make: Ready in just over an hour with straightforward steps.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and bake when needed.
- Great for Meal Prep: Cook once and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes 8 generous servings, perfect for a family of four with leftovers or a small gathering.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners but rewarding for experienced cooks too.
Required Kitchen Tools
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
Ingredients for Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:
For the Casserole:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (or fresh potatoes, shredded)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
For the Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Variations for Ground Beef Potato Casserole
- Add Vegetables: Mix in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrition and texture.
- Use Different Cheese: Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, gruyere, or a cheese blend.
- Add Heat: Include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use Fresh Potatoes: Replace hash browns with thinly sliced fresh potatoes and add an extra 15 minutes to the baking time.
- Include Bacon: Layer in crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor boost.
- Make It Lighter: Use lean ground beef and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. This creates the flavorful foundation of your casserole.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the ground beef and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the frozen hash brown potatoes evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. If using fresh potatoes, layer them thinly.
5. Combine Beef and Potatoes
Pour the ground beef mixture over the potatoes. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the sauce coats the potatoes evenly.
6. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add the ½ cup parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a golden crust.
7. Make the Topping
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, fresh parsley, and salt. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.
8. Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttered panko mixture over the cheese layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
9. Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to scoop and serve.
How to Serve Ground Beef Potato Casserole
This versatile casserole pairs well with simple sides:
- With a Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or coleslaw for balance.
- With Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- With Bread: Pair with crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Standalone: This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal on its own.
- For Potlucks: Transport in the baking dish and reheat, making it perfect for gatherings.
Storing Ground Beef Potato Casserole
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Freezer: This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from over-browning.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Skip Draining the Beef: Removing excess fat prevents a greasy casserole.
- Use Quality Cheese: Fresh, high-quality cheese melts better and tastes superior.
- Prepare Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is ready when it’s bubbling at the edges and the topping is golden.
- Let It Rest: Those 5 minutes of resting time make a huge difference in texture and presentation.
- Add Extra Sauce: If you prefer a creamier casserole, increase the beef broth to 1½ cups.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 33g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 840mg |
Based on 8 servings. Values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
PrintGround Beef Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup beef broth
4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, thyme, and paprika for 1 minute.
- Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and beef broth. Pour into the skillet and stir well. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread hash brown potatoes in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the ground beef mixture over potatoes and stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle cheddar and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Ground Beef Potato Casserole FAQs
Yes, absolutely. Thinly slice or shred fresh potatoes and layer them at the bottom of the dish. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure the potatoes are fully cooked.
Yes, this casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
You can use cream of chicken soup or make a simple sauce with 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 cup beef broth. Cook the flour and butter together first, then slowly add the broth while whisking.
Yes, you can double all ingredients and use two 9×13-inch baking dishes or one larger dish. Baking time may increase slightly; check for doneness and adjust as needed.
The casserole is ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. With its creamy, hearty filling, tender potatoes, and crispy cheese and breadcrumb topping, it’s no wonder this dish remains a beloved classic. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing for a potluck, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this casserole delivers consistent, satisfying results every single time.
