If you are craving a dish that combines comforting, hearty flavors and a satisfying texture, look no further than this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s a wonderful mix of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a creamy, flavorful gravy. From the very first bite, you’ll appreciate how each element plays off the others to create a classic casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers robust flavor with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings something unique to the table — from the umami depth of mushrooms to the comforting richness of cheddar cheese, making it both accessible and delicious.
- 2 tablespoons oil: For sautéing the vegetables and ensuring a perfect base flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions and mushrooms.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped, about 1 cup): Brings sweetness and aroma to the dish.
- 8 oz mushrooms (chopped): Adds earthiness and texture that balances the beef.
- 1-1/2 pounds ground beef: The hearty star providing a savory punch and protein.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that highlight all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Injects a subtle tang and depth to the gravy.
- 2 teaspoons garlic herb or all-purpose seasoning: Adds a flavorful kick and seasoning complexity.
- 2/3 cup flour: Thickens the gravy for that perfect creamy consistency.
- 2-1/2 cups chicken broth: Provides moisture and richness to the sauce.
- 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and diced into no larger than 0.3-inch cubes, about 4 cups): Tender, hearty cubes that soak up the flavorful gravy beautifully.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): Adds luscious creaminess to the casserole.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps the sauce thicken nicely without becoming gluey.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more to taste): Melts into gooey goodness and creates a golden crust on top.
How to Make Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F so everything is ready to go once your stovetop work is done. Grab a 3.5 to 4-quart oven-safe skillet or braiser to cook everything—if you don’t have one, a casserole dish works perfectly too. Then, dice your potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes, chop your onions and mushrooms, and get all your other ingredients within arm’s reach. Having everything prepped upfront makes the cooking process so much smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Warm the oil and butter in your skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chopped onions and mushrooms. Sauté them until they start to soften and release their delicious aromas—about 5 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor and ensures your casserole will have that perfect balance of textures.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up as it browns. Once the meat is no longer pink, stir in the tomato paste and your garlic herb seasoning to deepen the flavors. This hearty, savory mix is the heart of your casserole.
Step 4: Make the Gravy Base
Reduce the heat to medium-low and sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir constantly until there are no visible dry spots—this creates the roux for your gravy. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps, turning the mixture into a smooth, thickened sauce.
Step 5: Simmer the Potatoes
Stir the diced potatoes into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a simmer once. Then reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer and cover with a lid. Let the potatoes cook until they are halfway tender, about 10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking or burning on the bottom.
Step 6: Finish the Casserole Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the half-and-half (or heavy cream) with cornstarch until smooth. Stir this creamy mixture into the skillet, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This step adds luscious creaminess and a cheesy undertone that starts to meld all the flavors.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese and place the skillet in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges bubble and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. If it’s browning too fast, a loose foil tent helps prevent burning. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest at room temperature for 10-20 minutes to let the gravy thicken to that perfect scoopable consistency.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the casserole for a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can add an exciting twist and extra creaminess that pairs marvelously with the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables brightens up the plate and adds balance. A simple cucumber salad or roasted Brussels sprouts with a squeeze of lemon would complement the flavors beautifully without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets — perfect for entertaining or portion control. You can also layer it in a clear glass baking dish to show off the beautiful layers of beef, potatoes, and cheese, which makes for a stunning presentation at the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. This makes it a great option for easy weekday lunches or dinners that reheat well without losing their moisture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes well. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, consider leaving off the cheese topping so you can add fresh cheese when reheating for that just-baked cheesiness.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Warm it until heated through and bubbly, adding a few extra minutes uncovered at the end if you want to refresh that golden cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in to lighten the dish, though the flavor will be a bit milder. You might want to boost the seasoning slightly to keep that depth of flavor.
What type of potatoes work best in this casserole?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well throughout cooking while becoming tender and creamy inside. Avoid waxy potatoes that might remain too firm.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Just be sure to check your broth and seasonings for hidden gluten ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe?
For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground beef for lentils or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The mushrooms add nice umami flavor to keep it hearty.
Can I prepare this casserole entirely in advance?
You can prepare the filling up to Step 6 ahead of time, then refrigerate it and bake just before serving. This makes it a convenient dish when you’re pressed for time on the day of your meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe — it’s cozy, flavorful, and easy enough to become a weeknight star in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving comfort food, this casserole welcomes you like an old friend and fills your home with the most inviting aromas. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become a favorite fast!
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Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It combines browned ground beef, sautéed onions and mushrooms, tender potatoes, and a rich creamy gravy all baked to golden perfection with melted cheddar cheese on top. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this casserole offers a satisfying one-pan meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 8 oz mushrooms, chopped
- 1–1/2 pounds ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic herb or all-purpose seasoning (more or less to taste)
- 2/3 cup flour
- 2–1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced into no larger than 0.3-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Prep: Heat the oven to 350°F. Use a 3.5 – 4 quart oven-safe skillet or transfer the mixture to a ~4 quart casserole dish for baking. Prepare all ingredients for easy assembly.
- Cook vegetables: Heat oil and butter over medium-high heat in the oven-safe skillet or braiser. Add chopped onion and mushrooms and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Brown beef: Add the ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking up the meat until browned. Stir in tomato paste and garlic herb or all-purpose seasoning.
- Make gravy: Reduce heat to medium-low. Sprinkle flour evenly over the beef and vegetables, stirring constantly until no dry spots remain. Slowly add chicken broth while stirring to form a smooth gravy.
- Simmer potatoes: Stir diced potatoes into the beef mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer until potatoes are halfway tender, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain a low steady simmer.
- Finish: Whisk heavy cream or half-and-half with cornstarch until smooth, then stir into the skillet mixture. Mix in half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, then top the casserole with the remaining cheese or as much as you like.
- Bake: Place the skillet or casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are bubbly, the top is golden, and potatoes are fully tender. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Once baked, let the casserole rest on the counter for 10-20 minutes to thicken. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet for ease or transfer to a casserole dish before baking.
- Resting the casserole after baking allows the gravy to thicken and improves texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste throughout the cooking process.
- For a creamier casserole, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best results.
