Cheesy Ground Beef and Sliced Potato Casserole
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Sliced Potato Casserole is the ultimate cozy comfort food, combining tender layers of thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes with savory seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese.
Each bite brings together rich beef, soft potatoes, creamy sauce, and a golden, bubbly cheddar and mozzarella topping. It is an easy family dinner that can be prepared ahead and baked until beautifully golden.
Recipe Overview
| Details | Information |
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Resting Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Servings | 6–8 |
| Cuisine | American-inspired |
| Category | Main Course |
| Cooking Method | Oven |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is hearty, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes creates a filling meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
The cream sauce keeps the potato layers moist and flavorful while the cheddar and mozzarella create a wonderfully golden, stretchy topping.
It is also an excellent family-style dish because everything cooks together in one casserole, making serving simple and cleanup easier.
Ingredients
Meat Layer
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Ground beef | 1½ lbs (680 g) |
| Yellow onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
Potato Layer
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Yukon Gold potatoes | 4 large |
| Salted water | For parboiling |
Peel the potatoes and slice them into approximately ⅛-inch (3 mm) rounds.
Cream Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Beef broth | ½ cup |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
Optional: Cream cheese can be used instead of sour cream for an even richer sauce.
Cheese Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1 tbsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel the Yukon Gold potatoes and slice them into thin, even rounds approximately ⅛-inch thick.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the potato slices and parboil them for 4–5 minutes.
The potatoes should become slightly tender but still hold their shape. Do not overcook them because they will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain the potatoes carefully and set them aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion has softened, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste.
Stir well and cook for approximately 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste and seasonings to develop their flavor.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Prepare the Cream Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, beef broth, garlic powder, and salt.
Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
If using cream cheese instead of sour cream, allow it to soften first so it blends more easily into the sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a deep 9 × 13-inch casserole dish or similarly sized round baking dish.
Arrange half of the parboiled potato slices across the bottom, slightly overlapping them to create an even layer.
Spread all of the seasoned ground beef evenly over the potatoes.
Pour approximately half of the cream sauce over the beef.
Arrange the remaining potato slices over the beef layer.
Pour the remaining cream sauce evenly over the top, making sure it reaches the potato layers.
5. Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes.
Carefully remove the foil.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbling, and golden brown.
For an extra-golden cheese topping, you can broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end. Watch it closely during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
6. Rest and Garnish
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 10 minutes.
This resting period allows the creamy sauce to settle slightly and makes the casserole easier to slice and serve.
Sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Best Tips for Perfect Potato Casserole
Slice the potatoes as evenly as possible. Consistent slices cook at the same rate and create a more uniform casserole.
Do not completely cook the potatoes during parboiling. They should be just tender enough to bend slightly while still maintaining their shape.
Sear the ground beef well before assembling the casserole. Browning develops deeper flavor and prevents the meat from tasting bland.
Use freshly shredded cheese whenever possible. It melts more smoothly and creates a better cheesy topping than many pre-shredded varieties.
Allow the casserole to rest before serving. Cutting into it immediately can cause the cream sauce to run out before the layers have a chance to settle.
Best Ingredient Options
Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice because they have a naturally buttery texture and hold their shape well.
You can substitute russet potatoes if necessary. They produce a softer, starchier texture.
For the beef, regular ground beef works beautifully. Choose a moderately lean variety so the casserole remains flavorful without becoming excessively greasy.
Sharp cheddar adds a stronger cheese flavor, while mild cheddar creates a gentler, family-friendly taste.
Mozzarella adds excellent melting quality and gives the casserole its stretchy, gooey topping.
Recipe Variations
For a richer casserole, replace the sour cream with softened cream cheese. This creates an especially creamy sauce.
For a vegetable-packed version, add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or peas to the beef layer.
For extra garlic flavor, increase the fresh garlic in the beef mixture or add a small amount of roasted garlic to the cream sauce.
For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef.
You can also add a layer of caramelized onions for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
What to Serve With This Casserole
A crisp green salad is an easy way to balance the richness of the casserole.
Steamed broccoli or green beans make excellent vegetable sides and add freshness to the meal.
Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts also pair beautifully with the creamy beef and potato layers.
For a hearty family dinner, serve the casserole with warm dinner rolls to soak up any remaining cream sauce.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can assemble the casserole several hours ahead of time.
Prepare the potatoes, beef mixture, cream sauce, and cheese, then assemble everything in the baking dish.
Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
When baking directly from the refrigerator, you may need to add approximately 10–15 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure the center becomes fully hot and the potatoes are tender.
For the best results, add the cheese topping shortly before the final uncovered baking stage.
Storage
Allow leftover casserole to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Keep the casserole covered to prevent the potato layers from drying out.
Reheating
For individual portions, microwave until heated through, using short intervals to avoid overheating the cream sauce.
For larger portions, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 325°F (165°C) until hot throughout.
Adding a small splash of beef broth or cream before reheating can help restore moisture.
Freezing
This casserole can be frozen, although the texture of the cream sauce and potatoes may change slightly after thawing.
For best results, allow the casserole to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and placing it in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slicing the Potatoes Too Thick
Thick potato slices may remain firm in the center while the cheese becomes overly browned. Thin, consistent slices are best.
Overboiling the Potatoes
The potatoes should only be parboiled. If they become completely soft before assembly, they may break apart when layered.
Forgetting to Drain the Beef
If your ground beef releases a lot of fat, drain the excess before adding the seasonings and tomato paste.
Using Cold Cream Cheese
If replacing sour cream with cream cheese, soften it first. Cold cream cheese can be difficult to whisk smoothly into the sauce.
Cutting the Casserole Immediately
Resting for about 10 minutes helps the layers settle and makes serving much easier.
Nutrition Estimate
Nutrition will vary depending on the fat percentage of the beef, type of cheese, and portion size.
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 550–650 kcal |
| Protein | 30–35 g |
| Fat | 35–42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35–40 g |
| Fiber | 3–4 g |
| Sodium | 800–1,000 mg |
| Calcium | 300–400 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use russet potatoes?
Yes. Russet potatoes work well, although they tend to create a softer and starchier texture than Yukon Gold potatoes.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Allow additional cooking time if baking it directly from the refrigerator.
Can I use only cheddar cheese?
Absolutely. You can replace the mozzarella with additional cheddar if you prefer a stronger cheddar flavor.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the center should be hot and bubbling. The cheese should be melted and golden on top.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, spinach, or broccoli can be added to the beef layer for extra flavor and texture.
Can I use cream cheese instead of sour cream?
Yes. Cream cheese makes the sauce thicker and richer. Make sure it is softened before mixing.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Sliced Potato Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dinner that brings together everything you want in a hearty baked meal: tender potatoes, savory seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and a golden layer of melted cheese.
The simple preparation makes it ideal for weeknight dinners, while its rich, satisfying flavor makes it equally suitable for a weekend family meal. Serve it hot with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and delicious dinner.