Easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole: Simple Comfort Food Favorite

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe is going to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how simple it is to throw together, yet it tastes like you’ve been slow-cooking it all day. One bite and you’ll know exactly why this casserole is a staple in my family’s dinner rotation. Keep reading, because I’ll share my favorite tips so you nail it easily every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, which means less last-minute grocery runs.
One-Dish Wonder: It saves you from juggling multiple pots and pans – cleanup is a breeze.
Family Favorite: My kids beg for this casserole, and I love that it sneaks in veggies and protein effortlessly.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it earlier in the day or even freeze it for busy nights.

A close-up of a white plate showing a layered casserole dish with visible layers including a bottom layer of soft yellow potatoes, a middle layer of browned ground meat mixed with a creamy sauce, and a top layer of bright melted orange cheese. The cheese layer appears smooth and slightly shiny with some textured melted spots. There is a silver fork holding a scoop of the casserole above the plate. In the background, there are blurred green beans providing a fresh green contrast. The setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole, ground beef casserole recipe, hearty potato casserole, simple dinner recipes, comfort food casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays a distinct role in layering flavors and textures, and a few little tips can make your shopping and prep even smoother.

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh raw ground beef, a medium white onion cut into neat dice, a few cloves of garlic with some minced garlic beside them, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt, another bowl filled with freshly ground black pepper, five medium whole potatoes thinly sliced and fanned out, a small white ceramic bowl containing creamy golden condensed mushroom soup, another bowl with creamy pale condensed chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl holding rich beige evaporated milk, a separate bowl with fresh cold milk, and a neat pile of shredded yellow cheddar cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole, ground beef casserole recipe, hearty potato casserole, simple dinner recipes, comfort food casserole

Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
Onion: Diced onions add a sweet, savory base flavor; I like to use yellow onions for their balanced taste.
Garlic: Freshly minced—trust me, the flavor here is a game-changer compared to pre-minced stuff.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out every other ingredient’s best qualities.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced medium potatoes (like Yukon Gold) cook evenly and offer a tender texture.
Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds creamy earthiness; if you prefer, use the garlic variety for a little extra punch.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: Combines with the mushroom soup to make the casserole decadently creamy without extra fuss.
Evaporated milk: Gives richness to the sauce without watering it down.
Milk: Just enough to loosen the mixture and help everything meld together.
Shredded cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for a bold flavor, but a blend works too — it melts beautifully on top.
Cooking spray: For greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe is — there’s plenty of room to make it your own. Over time, I’ve tried a few tweaks that really jazz it up or adapt it to what I have on hand.

Vegetable boost: I sometimes add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions to sneak in extra veggies, and it does wonders for flavor and nutrition.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture gives it a subtle kick my family adores.
Dairy-free swap: Using coconut cream instead of the condensed soups and milk worked well when a friend had dietary restrictions — just expect a different but still tasty flavor.
Cheese varieties: Mixing in mozzarella or Monterey Jack offers a gooey, melty twist that’s great if you want a milder cheese flavor.

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. I like to cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Be sure to break up the meat with your spatula so it cooks evenly. Once done, drain any excess grease thoroughly—this keeps the casserole from getting greasy and helps the flavors shine. Season with salt and pepper now, so the seasoning distributes nicely throughout.

Step 2: Layer Your Casserole

Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray so nothing sticks. Lay out a single layer of your thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom; this base layer softens beautifully while baking. Next, spread half of your cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes. This layering technique is key to balancing out the hearty textures.

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and regular milk until smooth. I discovered that whisking it well beforehand prevents lumps and ensures that creamy coating that binds everything together. Pour half of this sauce over the beef layer, then sprinkle with half of your shredded cheese — this top layer will get nicely melty and flavorful.

Step 4: Repeat Layers and Prep for Baking

Simply repeat your layers one more time—potatoes, beef, the remaining sauce, and top with the final cheese sprinkle. To keep that cheesy top from burning, tent the pan loosely with foil. This little step helps the casserole cook through without drying out the edges or getting too brown too soon.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole at 375°F for 1 hour covered with foil, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This two-stage baking is a trick I learned to get tender potatoes and melty cheese without overcooking either. After baking, let it rest for 10 minutes — this allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to slice cleanly. Trust me, this resting time is worth it.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe

Thin and Even Potato Slices: I use a mandoline slicer to get uniform thickness so they cook evenly and avoid any crunchy surprises.
Don’t Skip Draining: Draining the cooked beef is a game-changer; otherwise, the casserole can become soggy and greasy.
Layering Matters: Building the casserole in layers—not mixing everything together—keeps every bite flavorful and with distinct textures.
Foil Tent Trick: Tent the foil so it’s not touching the cheese—this prevents it from sticking and burning during baking.

How to Serve Easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a layered casserole dish with three main layers: a bottom layer of soft yellow potato slices, a middle layer of creamy ground meat mixed with light sauce, and a top layer of melted golden yellow cheese with browned spots. Next to the casserole are bright green steamed green beans, fresh and cut into pieces. A small golden-brown bread roll sits beside the beans. A silver fork lifts a portion of the casserole, showing the inside layers clearly. Small green herbs sprinkle on top of the melted cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole, ground beef casserole recipe, hearty potato casserole, simple dinner recipes, comfort food casserole

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions — it adds a pop of color and a little fresh bite that brightens the richness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of hot sauce on the side works wonders for mixing up flavors at the table.

Side Dishes

Because this casserole hits all the comfort notes, I usually keep sides simple. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess nicely. Roasted or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon also make a lovely, fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins to make each portion feel extra special—everyone loved having their own little cozy pot! You can also sprinkle the final cheese layer with some panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking for a golden crunchy topping that wows every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly with foil or airtight containers in the fridge, and they usually last 3-4 days. I find the flavors actually taste even better the next day as the casserole settles and melds more.

Freezing

This Easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. I assemble it fully and cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When I want to serve it, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual — it reheats beautifully without losing that creamy, tender texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, individual portions can be microwaved, but I prefer the oven method to keep the potatoes from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen potatoes for this casserole?

Fresh potatoes work best for even cooking and texture, but if you’re short on time, thinly sliced frozen potatoes can be used. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery.
Is it okay to substitute the canned soups with homemade sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make a homemade creamy sauce with a roux and broth or cream. Just keep in mind that canned soups add a convenient flavor boost and thickening agent, so you might need to adjust seasoning and thickness.
What cheese works best for this casserole?

Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it melts gorgeously and adds a nice tang. However, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheese for different flavor profiles.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute, and use vegetable-based soups to keep it flavorful and hearty without the meat.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s comfort food at its coziest and simplest. I’m always amazed how something so straightforward can bring so much joy around the dinner table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, I hope you make it your own and get as much happiness out of this dish as my family does. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious it is!