Comfort food doesn’t get more classic than this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Dinner Casserole. Hearty layers of seasoned ground beef, thin-sliced potatoes, and creamy, cheesy sauce come together in one baked dish that hits all the nostalgic notes of a family dinner. It’s weeknight-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and has that golden, bubbly top we all crave.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry household or prepping for a cozy weekend dinner, this casserole is budget-friendly and endlessly satisfying. The ingredients are simple, but the flavor is rich and layered, thanks to savory ground beef, a touch of onion, and lots of melted cheddar. This is the kind of dinner that brings people back for seconds.

What Kind of Potatoes Work Best in This Casserole?

For the best results, use russet or Yukon gold potatoes. Russets hold their shape nicely and absorb flavors well, while Yukon golds bring a buttery richness. The key is to slice them thinly and evenly, so they cook fully in the oven without turning mushy.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Dinner Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cups russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the baking dish

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Dinner Casserole (1)

How To Make the Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Dinner Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

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

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This will be your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Start by spreading a third of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the cooked beef mixture, a third of the cheese, and a third of the sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of potatoes, sauce, and the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.

How to Serve and Store Your Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Dinner Casserole

This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to round out the meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire casserole in the oven covered with foil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline makes this easy and consistent, ensuring even cooking.

Can I substitute the soup?

Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup both work well. You can also make a homemade white sauce if you prefer to skip canned soups.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic for its sharp flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for some heat.

Can I add veggies?

Absolutely! Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even frozen peas can be added to the beef layer.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If hearty, comforting casseroles are your thing, you’ll want to check out these delicious favorites:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a skillet-style meal with flavor-packed sauce.
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole when you’re craving something ultra-creamy and savory.
Nutella French Toast Casserole for a decadent weekend breakfast.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with a melty, cheesy interior.
The Ultimate Taco Casserole if you love Tex-Mex flavors in every bite.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it easily for your next cozy meal.

And if you give this casserole a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add veggies or switch up the cheese? Let me know in the comments. Sharing your tweaks and tips helps everyone enjoy it even more.

For more hearty dinners and new meal ideas every week, follow me on Pinterest: Nina Dishes

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Dinner Casserole

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty, cheesy casserole featuring tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or sharing with a crowd.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Drain excess fat.

3. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.

4. Layer a third of the potatoes in the dish, then half of the beef mixture, a third of the cheese, and a third of the sauce. Repeat. Top with remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.