What if one simple, hearty dish could satisfy your craving for comfort food *and* save you time in the kitchen? Meet Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole, a one‑pan dinner that delivers rich, melty cheese, succulent beef, and tender potato all baked together. In this article, you’ll discover exactly how to build this satisfying casserole step by step—while naturally weaving the focus keyword “Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole” throughout. Get ready for a crowd‑pleasing meal you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients
Here’s your ingredients list, organized and described to bring out texture, flavor, and ease:
- 1 lb ground beef — use lean or 80/20, depending on your preference
- 1 tablespoon olive oil — for sautéing onion and garlic
- 1 medium onion, chopped — contributes sweetness and depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — aromatic backbone of the dish
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced — uniform cubes to cook evenly
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika — for warm, smoky undertones
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano — herbal lift
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese — sharp or mild, your choice
- ½ cup beef broth — adds moisture and gravy base
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped — for garnish and fresh pop
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Follow these steps for a foolproof, delicious **Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole** experience.
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Meanwhile, peel and dice the potatoes into even, bite‑sized cubes (about ½ to ¾ inch). Chop onion and mince garlic so everything’s ready.
Step 2: Brown the beef
In a large oven‑safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Push aromatics aside and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Season & combine
Stir into the browned beef: salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly so spices coat all meat. Then stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the beef broth. The liquid should partially cover the potatoes to help them cook in the oven. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Bake uncovered
Transfer the skillet (if not already oven‑safe) into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for ~25 minutes, or until potatoes are fork‑tender and most liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Add cheese & broil
Remove skillet from oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to oven and switch to broil mode (or increase heat) for 2–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Garnish & serve
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes so it sets slightly. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and fresh brightness. Scoop servings generously and offer extra cheese or hot sauce if desired.
Variations
- Veggie boost: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas or corn just before baking to add color and nutrition.
- Spicy version: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or chopped jalapeño to the beef stage for heat.
- Smoky twist: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for deeper smokiness.
- Cheese blend: Combine cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for meltiness.
- Potato substitute: Use sweet potatoes or Yukon golds for variation in flavor and color.
Cooking Note
To avoid soggy potatoes, make sure your diced pieces are not too large and that your skillet is oven‑safe. Also, underbake slightly before adding cheese so when broiling the top layer doesn’t dry out. Use a broiling stage just for finishing the cheese topping.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty and complete, but here are ideas to round it out:
- Pair with a crisp green salad (romaine, spinach, arugula) dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut richness.
- Serve with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for extra veggies.
- Offer sour cream or plain Greek yogurt as a side topping for creaminess.
- Accompany with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up leftover juices.
Tip: Serve directly from the skillet to retain heat and showcase the rustic, comforting appeal.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Here’s how to preserve flavor if you have leftovers:
- Allow the casserole to cool fully, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate. Consume within 3–4 days.
- To reheat, use an oven at 325 °F (163 °C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave gently in intervals, stirring halfway.
- Add a splash of beef broth or milk when reheating if the dish seems dry.
- Do not freeze if possible—the texture of potatoes and cheese can degrade significantly.
Timing
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes (peeling, chopping, seasoning)
Cooking Time: ~25–30 minutes (baking plus broiling)
Total Time: ~35–45 minutes — a solid choice compared to longer multi-dish dinners
Yield: Serves 4–5 generously
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
The following is an estimate, based on the listed ingredients and standard nutritional data:
| Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Lean meat: Use 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey to cut fat.
- Lower sodium: Use low‑sodium beef broth and reduce added salt.
- Cheese swap: Use part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar to lighten cheese load.
- Vegetable filler: Increase volume with diced zucchini, carrots, or bell pepper to reduce calorie density.
- Sweet potato option: Substitute one potato with sweet potato, adding fiber and micronutrients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Potato pieces too large: Large chunks may remain undercooked when casserole is done.
- Not using an oven‑safe pan: If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer carefully to a baking dish to avoid accidents.
- Skipping the broil stage: Without broiling, the cheese layer may be pale and lack texture.
- Overcrowding the pan: Too many potatoes or meat will steam rather than bake properly.
- Walking away during broil: Cheese can burn quickly — watch closely for color.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is the perfect one‑pot, fuss‑free dish that brings comfort and flavor together in a single pan. With layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and oozy melted cheese, it’s bound to become a weeknight favorite. Try it tonight, share your tweaks below, or explore my other hearty casserole recipes for more inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble everything in an oven‑safe dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready (add extra 5–10 minutes to baking time). - Is this freezer-friendly?
Not ideal — freezing can alter the texture of both potatoes and cheese. Best to consume fresh or refrigerate only. - Can I use russet potatoes?
You can, but waxy potatoes (Yukon gold, red) hold shape better in casseroles. - How can I make it vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. - What if the casserole seems dry after baking?
Drizzle in a little extra broth or even milk and stir gently; the cheese will help bind moisture.
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Rich, comforting one‑pan casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes & melted cheddar.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled & diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and dice potatoes; chop onion and mince garlic.
3. In oven‑safe skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion 2‑3 min.
4. Add garlic, then ground beef; cook until browned and drain as needed.
5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano and stir in potatoes & beef broth.
6. Bring to gentle simmer 2 min.
7. Bake uncovered ~25 min until potatoes tender.
8. Remove, sprinkle cheese, broil 2‑3 min till bubbly.
9. Let rest 5 min, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Use a truly oven‑safe skillet or transfer with care.
Watch cheese when broiling — it can burn fast.
Don’t cut into it immediately; resting helps with slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole / Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg