Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese into one satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the family.

Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and softened.
- Step 4: Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned and fully cooked.
- Step 5: Pour in beef broth and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors, then remove from heat.
- Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly mixed.
- Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Step 8: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 9: Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Step 10: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.
- Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different twist.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste and added nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out the casserole.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the casserole?
This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
PrintGround Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
A comforting Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole featuring tender seasoned ground beef, diced russet potatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, all combined with sour cream and cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection with a golden, bubbling cheese topping, this hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Vegetables and Cheese
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small, even cubes. Chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves for sautéing.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and softened, which brings out their flavors.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season it with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook the beef while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors before removing the skillet from heat.
- Combine with Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, mix the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well incorporated.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer this mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the potatoes through and meld flavors.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese topping is melted, golden, and bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This resting time helps set the casserole for better texture before serving.
Notes
- For even cooking, dice potatoes into uniform small cubes.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- Covering the dish during the initial baking helps steam the potatoes thoroughly.
- Letting the casserole rest is important to prevent it from falling apart when served.
Keywords: Ground beef casserole, potato casserole, baked ground beef, comfort food, cheesy casserole

