If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings together the rich flavors of tender beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese, then this Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining simple ingredients into layers of pure deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this casserole is a winner every single time with its gooey cheese, savory beef, and perfectly tender potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making this dish shine. Each item plays a crucial role—ground beef adds savory depth, potatoes provide comforting starchiness, and cheddar cheese brings that irresistible melt and sharp flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef: Choose lean or regular depending on your preference to keep the casserole juicy and flavorful.
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for a creamy texture when baked.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch when cooked with the beef.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar offers a savory punch and melts beautifully over the casserole layers.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Acts as the creamy binding agent to keep all the layers moist.
- 1/2 cup milk: Used to thin the soup mixture, creating a luscious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beef and onions to bring out their rich flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the dish.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of bright color and fresh aroma to finish the casserole beautifully.
How to Make Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start your cooking journey by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly heated oven ensures even cooking, so the potatoes soften just right and the cheese melts to golden perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions become soft and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors. Don’t forget to drain the excess grease for a lighter yet savory casserole base.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This sauce will soak into the potatoes and beef layers, creating a luscious texture that elevates the entire dish.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then start by arranging half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom. Next, spread half of the cooked beef and onion mixture on top, followed by a generous layer of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese to build that cheesy, meaty goodness.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Bake
Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the layered casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to become fork-tender and the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Finish with a Golden Cheese Melt
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden on top. Keep an eye on it so it reaches that perfect cheesy crust without burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked to perfection, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve your Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe hot from the oven for maximum comfort and delight.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet stunning garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness to balance the casserole’s rich flavors. You can also add a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar for an even cheesier finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hearty main dish, so pairing it with light side options keeps the meal balanced. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli to add freshness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions that look fancy but are easy to handle. Alternatively, try layering it in a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers of potatoes, beef, and cheese—making it visually irresistible before even taking a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a day, making it just as tasty, if not better, the next time you reheat it.
Freezing
If you want to save this comfort food for later, wrap the casserole securely with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. To keep the cheese bubbly, uncover during the last few minutes of reheating. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the casserole’s lovely texture and melted cheese consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese gives that classic sharp flavor and great melt, you can experiment with mozzarella for a stretchier texture or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just keep in mind the melting characteristics to maintain a creamy topping.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or cooked lentils for protein. You might want to add extra seasoning or mushrooms to maintain the savory depth typically provided by the beef.
What type of potatoes works best?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a buttery flavor. Russets are also a good choice for a fluffier texture. Avoid waxy potatoes as they may not cook evenly or absorb the sauce properly.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole a few hours or even the night before, cover tightly, and keep it refrigerated. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The best way is to pierce a potato slice with a fork; it should slide in easily without resistance. The sauce will also be bubbling and the cheese melted and golden on top, signaling it’s cooked through.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely encourage you to dive into this Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe because it’s more than just a meal — it’s a satisfying, cozy experience that brings joy to the table every time. Simple ingredients combined with love and a little patience deliver a dish that will quickly become a household favorite. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, sharing warmth and smiles with everyone you serve it to.
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Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, and layers of melted cheddar cheese, all baked in a creamy mushroom soup sauce for a delicious one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
Dairy & Soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the casserole.
- Cook the beef and onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions have softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Prepare the soup mixture: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing until smooth and well blended to create a creamy sauce.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the cooked beef and onion mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Add the sauce: Pour the cream of mushroom soup mixture evenly over the layered casserole to moisten all ingredients and add flavor.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften and flavors to meld.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the casserole before serving hot to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- For a crispier cheese topping, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To speed up cooking, you can partially microwave sliced potatoes before layering.
- Add vegetables like peas or corn in the beef mixture for added nutrition and color.
