When you need a dinner that’s hearty, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please everyone, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole hits the spot. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned beef, juicy tomatoes, and melted cheese come together for the perfect cozy meal — it’s pure comfort in every bite.
This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, but the flavor payoff is huge. It’s creamy, cheesy, a little smoky, and oh-so-satisfying.
🥔 Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (drained slightly)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese (or a mix of both)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese for extra melt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Optional: a pinch of chili flakes for mild heat
For Creaminess (optional but recommended):
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tbsp flour (to thicken the sauce slightly)
🔥 Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1 — Prep the potatoes
Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Boil them in salted water for 7–8 minutes, just until slightly tender.
Drain and set aside — they’ll finish cooking in the oven later.
Step 2 — Cook the beef mixture
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned (about 6 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Now stir in the diced tomatoes. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors combine beautifully.
Step 3 — Prepare the creamy layer (optional)
For a rich, cohesive bake:
In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and flour until smooth.
Pour this mixture into the beef pan and stir — it will slightly thicken and give your casserole a creamy texture.
Step 4 — Assemble the casserole
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or oil.
- Layer half of the potatoes on the bottom.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture over them.
- Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers: potatoes → beef → cheese.
💡 Pro tip: Mix a bit of mozzarella with cheddar for that perfect melt-and-stretch effect.
Step 5 — Bake until golden and bubbly
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving so the layers hold together perfectly.
🧂 Flavor Add-Ons and Variations
- Tex-Mex Style: Add corn, black beans, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
- Cream of Mushroom Version: Mix in 1 can of cream of mushroom soup instead of cream.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace ground beef with lentils or soy crumbles.
- Bacon Lovers: Add crispy bacon bits on top before baking.
- Spicy Upgrade: Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
🧀 Why This Recipe Works
✅ One-pan simplicity: Everything cooks in one skillet and one baking dish.
✅ Balanced flavor: Savory beef, sweet tomato, creamy potato, and cheesy richness.
✅ Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
✅ Budget-friendly: Uses everyday pantry staples.
🥘 Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with:
- A fresh green salad 🥗
- Garlic bread 🥖
- Steamed vegetables 🥦
- Or just enjoy it on its own — it’s a full meal in one pan!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake covered at 350 °F (175 °C) for 15 minutes, or microwave for 2–3 minutes.
📈 AdSense & SEO Optimization Section
This recipe fits perfectly into high-RPM keywords that attract strong traffic:
High-value search phrases:
- cheesy ground beef casserole
- potato and beef bake
- easy dinner recipes
- family comfort food
- one-dish oven dinners
- ground beef recipes
SEO title:
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole — Creamy, Easy & Family Favorite!
Meta description:
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of tender potatoes, juicy beef, and melted cheese baked to perfection — perfect for weeknights or family dinners.
Internal link ideas:
- Lazy Dinner Recipes 🍝
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta 🌶️
- Ground Beef Lo Mein 🥢
📸 Food Photography Tips
For the best AdSense and Pinterest performance:
- Shoot the casserole hot, when the cheese is still melty.
- Use overhead and close-up angles.
- Add garnish (parsley or chives) for a pop of green.
- Use the keyword in your alt text: “Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole”.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is everything you want from comfort food — creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights or cozy weekends.
Every forkful brings together the richness of melted cheese, the warmth of seasoned beef, and the softness of tender potatoes — a crowd-pleaser every time!