Hearty Ground Beef Casserole: Cozy, Cheesy Comfort Food

This might be the coziest dinner you'll make all week: the Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe is pure comfort on a plate, layering tender seasoned beef, creamy potatoes, and melty cheese in every bite. Trust me, it's easier than it looks and definitely worth the fuss.

The image shows a close-up of a spoon lifting a serving from a cast iron pan filled with layered potatoes, ground meat, and melted cheese. The dish has visible layers: golden brown crispy potato slices on top, a light brown sauce with parsley specks, a middle layer of browned ground meat, and gooey melted cheese stretching from the spoon to the pan. The potato slices have a slightly browned crispy edge with some thin, crispy fried pieces. The background is a soft white marbled texture with blurred kitchen items. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make this Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe, it brings back memories of home dinners with my family — where simple, wholesome ingredients come together in a satisfying, one-pan meal. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that warms you from the inside out.

Simple and comforting: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese gives you those classic hearty flavors everyone loves.
Minimal prep, maximum flavor: You don’t have to fuss over complicated steps or fancy ingredients to impress at dinnertime.
One-dish wonder: It bakes all in one skillet or casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze — and that’s always a win in my book.
Versatile and customizable: You can tweak the seasonings and toppings to match what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients are the backbone of the Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe — each plays a role to bring that perfect cozy vibe to your table. From creamy soups to sharp cheese, everything blends so nicely.

Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef portioned in a simple white ceramic bowl, four medium whole yellow potatoes with clean skins arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with finely grated Colby Jack cheese, two small white bowls containing smooth cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup, a small white bowl of fresh milk, a small white bowl with a blend of all-purpose seasoning, a tiny white bowl holding Worcestershire sauce, a small mound of crispy golden French’s fried onions on a white ceramic dish, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley for garnish, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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

Lean Ground Beef: Provides rich flavor and protein without too much grease if you choose lean, making it healthier and less oily in the casserole.
Yellow Potatoes: Their natural creaminess and ability to hold shape while baking make them ideal for layering.
Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild sharpness, adding gooey richness to the dish.
Cream of Chicken and Cream of Celery Soups: They create a luscious, comforting sauce that keeps the casserole moist and ties the flavors together.
Milk: Lightens the soups slightly to create a smooth, creamy texture when baked.
All-Purpose Seasoning: Adds that little extra kick and depth — I love using a blend with garlic and onion powder for better flavor complexity.
Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for me; it gives the beef a subtle tangy umami boost.
French’s Fried Onions: They top the casserole with a perfectly crispy, golden crust that everybody fights over.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe depending on what I’m in the mood for or what’s in my fridge. You’ll find that a few simple swaps can make it just right for your taste.

Variation: When I want a little extra veg, I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers between the layers — it adds a lovely texture and more color.
Dietary tweaks: For a lower-carb spin, try swapping the yellow potatoes for cauliflower florets. It changes the texture slightly but keeps the cozy vibes.
Cheese swaps: Feel free to use sharp cheddar or a blend with mozzarella for melty goodness—you really can’t go wrong.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds creamy scalloped potatoes with visible round slices of soft yellow potatoes layered in a thick, creamy sauce that has some small brown bits of meat or mushroom mixed in. The top layer is browned and slightly crispy with melted cheese and bits of golden, crisped onions scattered, and chopped fresh green herbs sprinkled over for color. In the background, a black cast iron skillet shows part of the potato dish still inside with a silver spoon resting at the edge. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a salt shaker and grated cheese visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown that Beef Just Right

I start with a lightly greased 10” cast iron skillet — it’s my favorite for even heat and a beautiful crust on the beef. I spread 1 pound of lean ground beef evenly in the skillet and season it well with salt and pepper. Then I let it brown without stirring too much, so it develops flavor. Once it’s mostly cooked, I break it up gently so it creates a nice layer of tasty beef beneath the casserole.

Step 2: Layer Those Potatoes and Cheese

While the beef is cooking, peel and slice 4 medium yellow potatoes thinly but not paper-thin — about ¼ inch thick works well. Layer them evenly on top of the beef. Then, I sprinkle fresh Colby Jack cheese right over the potatoes — about 8 ounces freshly grated, which melts so beautifully later.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce and Pour It On

In a bowl, combine one 10-ounce can each of cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup with ⅓ cup of milk. Then add ½ teaspoon each of all-purpose seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk everything until smooth, then spoon it carefully over the cheese layer, smoothing it out evenly. This sauce keeps everything creamy and cozy once baked.

Step 4: Cover and Bake Low and Slow

Tightly cover the entire skillet with foil — make sure it's sealed well to trap the steam. I also like to place a baking sheet on the rack directly under the casserole to catch any drips. Bake at 350°F for a good 90 minutes — patience here means perfectly tender potatoes and melded flavors.

Step 5: Add the Crunch and Broil to Finish

Once baked, I take off the foil and sprinkle half a cup of French’s fried onions evenly over the top. Then, under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, watch those onions turn golden and crispy. It adds the best texture contrast — just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Last but not least — a sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley brightens it up and adds a fresh note. Then bring this beauty straight to the table and enjoy!

Top Tip

After making this Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help it shine every time:

Even potato slices: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice your potatoes consistently, so they cook evenly without some parts getting mushy or underdone.
Tight foil seal: The foil traps steam that cooks the potatoes perfectly — if you don’t seal it well, the casserole might dry out.
Watch the broil: Broiling is fast and critical for that crunchy onion topping. Never walk away; it can turn from golden to burned in seconds.
Rest before serving: I let the casserole sit 5-10 minutes after baking. It helps everything settle and makes cutting neat slices much easier.

How to Serve Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

A black frying pan with a black handle shows cooked ground meat spread evenly in the bottom layer, medium brown in color with a crumbly texture. On top, near the center, there are three small piles of fresh chopped vegetables: white onions on the left with small square pieces, bright green bell peppers in the middle with similarly small square cuts, and a small amount of finely minced pale yellow garlic in front of the peppers. The pan is sitting on a white marbled surface, and in the upper left corner are two clear glass bowls, one with chopped green onions and the other empty. A wooden cooking spatula is partially visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually stick with chopped green onions or fresh flat-leaf parsley for a splash of color and freshness. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream on the side adds a cooling contrast that my family absolutely loves.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this casserole with something light and crisp to balance the richness — a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans works perfectly. Garlic bread on the side never hurts either!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve transferred the layers into single-serving ramekins for a cute personal touch. Or, serve alongside roasted root veggies for a festive, colorful plate that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I pop leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully and tastes just as comforting the next day.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole works well if you wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil after it cools. I’ve frozen portions for up to 2 months and thawed in the fridge overnight before reheating with excellent results.

Reheating

Reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through—usually about 25-30 minutes. Microwave reheating works too for single servings, but covered in foil helps keep the texture intact in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it as directed, adding a little extra time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What if I don’t have cream of celery or chicken soup?

If you don’t have these canned soups, you can make a quick homemade creamy sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk seasoned with celery salt and garlic powder to mimic the flavors.

Can I substitute another type of cheese?

Absolutely! Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella blends perfectly with this casserole. Just choose a good melting cheese you love.

What’s the best way to keep the potatoes from drying out?

Keeping the casserole tightly covered with foil while baking traps steam and moisture. This prevents the potatoes from drying out and ensures they cook evenly tender.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something nurturing and fuss-free. It’s a great way to bring everyone together, sharing good food that feels like a warm hug. Give it a whirl—you’ll be glad you did!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way