This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting family dinner made with tender sliced potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a delicious layer of melted cheese. Everything bakes together in one dish, allowing the flavors to blend into a satisfying meal.
Perfect for busy weeknights, budget-friendly family dinners, or meal preparation, this easy ground beef and potato casserole uses simple ingredients and delivers plenty of flavor. Serve it hot from the oven for a cozy homemade dinner everyone can enjoy.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 55–60 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15–20 minutes |
| Servings | 4–6 |
| Course | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American-Inspired |
| Cooking Method | Oven-Baked |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Oven Temperature | 375°F (190°C) |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ground beef and potato casserole combines affordable pantry staples into a filling, flavorful meal. The potatoes become tender as they bake in beef broth, while the seasoned ground beef adds richness and the cherry tomatoes provide a fresh, slightly sweet flavor. A generous layer of melted cheese finishes the dish beautifully, making it a great option for family dinners without complicated preparation.
Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Large potatoes, peeled | 4–5 (about 900 g–1.1 kg) |
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Medium onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup (150 g) |
| Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese | 1 cup (100–120 g) |
| Olive oil or butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Beef broth | ½ cup (120 ml) |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
Seasonings
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or butter.
Peel the potatoes and slice them into evenly sized rounds, approximately ⅛–¼ inch (3–6 mm) thick. Keeping the slices uniform helps them cook evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 3: Arrange the Potatoes and Beef
Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add some of the cooked ground beef, then distribute a few halved cherry tomatoes between the potato slices.
Repeat the layers until all the potatoes, beef, and tomatoes have been used. Alternatively, arrange the potatoes upright in overlapping rows and tuck the beef and tomatoes between them for an attractive presentation.
Step 4: Add the Beef Broth
Pour the beef broth evenly around the potatoes and meat. The liquid helps create steam during baking, keeping the potatoes tender and preventing the casserole from becoming too dry.
Avoid adding excessive liquid, as the tomatoes and beef will release additional moisture while cooking.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the potatoes are nearly tender. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the potato slices and the depth of your dish.
Carefully remove the foil and test the potatoes with a fork. If they are still firm, cover the dish again and bake for another 5–10 minutes before adding the cheese.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar or mozzarella evenly over the casserole.
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and developed a lightly golden top.
For a more deeply browned cheese topping, switch to the broiler for the final 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.
Spoon generous portions onto plates and serve while the cheese is warm and melted.
Best Tips for Perfect Results
Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate, and cover the dish tightly during the first stage of baking to retain moisture. Browning the ground beef before assembling the casserole develops a richer flavor and prevents excess raw-meat juices from watering down the dish. If your potatoes are especially thick, allow extra baking time before adding the cheese.
Best Ingredient Options
Russet potatoes work well for a softer, fluffy texture, while Yukon Gold or similar yellow potatoes hold their shape and become creamy. Ground beef with moderate fat content provides plenty of flavor, and leaner beef can be used for a lighter result. Cheddar creates a sharper, richer topping, while mozzarella melts smoothly. A mixture of both offers an excellent balance of flavor and texture.
Recipe Variations
For a creamier casserole, mix ¼ cup of cooking cream into the beef broth before pouring it into the dish. Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra vegetables, or sprinkle Italian seasoning over the beef for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor. You can also add a little grated Parmesan alongside the cheddar for a more savory cheese topping.
What to Serve With Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
This casserole is filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but it pairs especially well with a fresh green salad, steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or glazed carrots. Crusty bread is useful for soaking up the savory juices, while a light cucumber and tomato salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To prepare ahead, cook the ground beef mixture and slice the potatoes shortly before assembling. Arrange the casserole in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate promptly if you are not baking it immediately. For the best texture and food safety, avoid leaving raw potato-and-meat layers at room temperature. If the dish is assembled cold from the refrigerator, allow extra baking time and verify that the center is fully cooked.
Storage Instructions
Allow leftovers to cool slightly, then transfer them to shallow airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Keep the casserole covered to help prevent the potatoes from drying out.
Reheating Instructions
For the best results, place individual portions in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout. Add a small splash of beef broth if the casserole looks dry.
You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe container, covered loosely, stirring or rotating as needed for even heating. Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Freezing Instructions
For best texture, freeze the casserole after baking and cooling completely. Divide it into individual portions or place it in a freezer-safe container, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Potatoes may become slightly softer after freezing, but the beef, tomatoes, and cheese will still make a flavorful meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid cutting the potatoes into thick, uneven slices, as some pieces may remain firm while others become soft. Do not skip browning the ground beef, because this step builds flavor and improves the casserole’s texture. Make sure the foil is tightly sealed during the initial baking stage, and wait until the potatoes are nearly tender before adding the cheese so the topping does not overcook while the potatoes finish baking.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate values per serving, assuming 6 servings and the ingredients listed. Actual values vary with potato size, beef fat content, and cheese selection.
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount |
| Calories | 350–430 kcal |
| Protein | 22–28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30–38 g |
| Fat | 14–20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6–9 g |
| Fiber | 3–5 g |
| Sugar | 3–5 g |
| Sodium | 400–700 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to boil the potatoes before baking?
No. Thinly sliced potatoes can cook directly in the casserole because the covered baking stage traps steam and moisture. If you prefer thicker slices, partially boil them for 5–7 minutes first to shorten the oven time.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative. Season it generously, brown it thoroughly, and make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Why are my potatoes still hard after baking?
The slices may be too thick, the dish may not have been covered tightly, or the oven temperature may be too low. Cover the casserole again and continue baking until a fork slides easily into the potatoes.
Can I make this casserole without beef broth?
Yes. You can substitute chicken broth or hot water. Beef broth provides the deepest savory flavor, but the casserole will still work with either alternative.
Which cheese melts best for this recipe?
Mozzarella melts into a smooth, stretchy topping, while cheddar adds a stronger flavor. Combining the two gives you both excellent melting quality and a rich, cheesy taste.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes. You can brown the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it separately. Assemble the casserole closer to baking time for the best potato texture, then bake until the potatoes are tender and the center is thoroughly heated.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The potatoes should be fork-tender, the cheese should be melted and lightly golden, and the ground beef should be fully cooked. If checking the center temperature, aim for at least 165°F (74°C) throughout the reheated casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a simple, budget-friendly comfort food recipe that brings together tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, juicy cherry tomatoes, and melted cheese. With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, it is ideal for family dinners, weekly meal planning, or whenever you want a warm and satisfying homemade meal.
Serve it fresh from the oven with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables, and enjoy a delicious casserole that is both hearty and easy to customize.