Description

This comforting Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a perfect easy dinner recipe for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish. With layers of tender Yukon Gold potatoes, richly seasoned ground beef, creamy homemade sauce, and a cheesy golden top, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s satisfying and simple to make. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, hearty food ideas for the family, or a recipe that doubles as meal prep, this casserole checks every box. Great for leftovers and freezer-friendly, it’s one of those classic dishes that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup heavy cream or whole milk

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup beef broth

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

1. Wash and slice the potatoes thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife, about 1/8-inch thick. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Shred the cheeses if not already shredded.

2. In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil and sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in garlic, paprika, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 more minute. Drain excess fat and set aside.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisk for 1 minute, then slowly add beef broth followed by cream or milk. Whisk constantly until thickened. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer potatoes on the bottom, then ground beef mixture, then creamy sauce. Sprinkle a bit of mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheddar on top.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 15–20 more minutes until top is golden and potatoes are tender.

6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for the best texture—they hold their shape well during baking.

Don’t skip the sauce; it keeps everything moist and flavorful.

Letting the casserole rest before slicing helps the layers stay together beautifully.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 475
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: ground beef casserole, easy dinner recipe, potato casserole, comfort food, hearty meals