Introduction

Few dishes capture the comfort of home quite like a hearty casserole. With layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce, this easy dinner recipe is the definition of cozy, family-friendly comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a satisfying weeknight meal, this casserole brings big flavors with minimal effort.

There’s something nostalgic about casseroles—they remind us of family gatherings, potlucks, and weeknights when dinner needed to be simple but still filling. This ground beef and potato casserole checks all the boxes: creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy onions for that irresistible crunch.

Best of all, it’s versatile. You can prepare it ahead of time, swap in your favorite veggies, or even bake it in smaller dishes for meal prep. No matter how you serve it, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your rotation of easy, family-friendly meals.

 

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2–3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

For the Sauce

• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• French fried onions, as desired
• Optional: sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley

 

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Beef & Veggies: In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion, bell pepper, and garlic until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
3. Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine mushroom soup and sour cream.
4. Assemble Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer sliced potatoes, beef mixture, and sauce. Repeat layers, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, top with French fried onions, and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden.
6. Serve: Let rest briefly before slicing. Garnish with green onions or parsley, if desired.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Dinner Recipe: Minimal prep with pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Hearty enough to please picky eaters.
• Meal Prep Ready: Assemble ahead and bake when you need it.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly satisfying.

 

Tips for Success

• Slice potatoes thinly and evenly for quicker, even baking.
• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
• Cover with foil to prevent cheese from over-browning, then uncover to crisp.
• For extra creaminess, stir shredded cheese into the sauce mixture.

 

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or corn between layers.
• Cheese Lovers: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby for a different flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

 

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Yes, sauté fresh mushrooms with garlic and stir into a homemade cream sauce.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Bake, cool, and freeze in portions. Reheat at 350°F until warm.

3. What potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes hold up well, but Yukon Golds add a creamier texture.

4. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake before serving.

5. How do I keep potatoes from turning brown?
Slice just before layering or store in water, then pat dry.

6. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s mild, creamy, and cheesy—perfect for kids.

7. What if I don’t like sour cream?
Swap with plain Greek yogurt for a similar creaminess.

8. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free condensed soup and fried onions.

9. How do I reheat leftovers?
Microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish or two casseroles if feeding a crowd.

 

 

Health Benefits

• Protein-Packed: Lean beef provides long-lasting energy.
• Calcium-Rich: Cheddar cheese adds calcium for bone health.
• Balanced Meal: Combines protein, carbs, and veggies in one dish.

How to Serve

• Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.
• Serve with dinner rolls or garlic bread.
• Add steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a complete meal.

 

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: Assemble casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Bake first, cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.

 

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. With layers of tender potatoes, seasoned beef, and melty cheese, it’s a recipe that feels like home. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or prepping ahead for busy days, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.