Description
A cozy, all-in-one comfort dish, this Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole is everything you want on a cold evening. Ground beef is cooked down with aromatic spices and layered with fork-tender potatoes, all smothered in a rich, cheesy cream sauce that bubbles up golden and irresistible from the oven. This easy recipe makes a perfect quick dinner, a hearty family favorite, and a budget-friendly meal prep idea that reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
3 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups whole milk
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 6–7 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the beef. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook until thickened, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce on the bottom. Add half of the potato slices, then half of the beef mixture, and more sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with remaining sauce and extra cheese on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use a mandoline slicer to get uniform potato slices.
Let the casserole rest before cutting—it helps the layers set.
You can swap cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: beef and potato casserole, ground beef dinner, cheesy casserole, family meal, hearty dinner