Looking for a quick dinner idea that’s hearty, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying? This Ground Beef Potato Casserole is the perfect answer, a delicious blend of tender potatoes, juicy ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese baked into one irresistible dish. It’s everything you love about easy hamburger meat recipes rolled into one skillet, simple ingredients, comforting flavors, and minimal cleanup.
Whether you’re planning easy meals with ground beef for the week or just need a cozy meal to warm the family on a busy evening, this casserole delivers every time. The golden cheese crust, the savory beef layer, and the buttery soft potatoes make it a timeless favorite among ground beef casserole recipes. It’s not just dinner, it’s comfort in a pan.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Potato Casserole
This ground beef potato casserole isn’t just comforting, it’s practical. It checks all the boxes for dinner ideas with ground beef that your whole family will love:
- Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
- A cozy classic that feels like home-cooking at its best
- Perfect for busy nights, just one pan and done
- Budget-friendly and ideal for feeding a crowd
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for next-day lunches
- Easy to customize with veggies, spice blends, or different cheeses
If you’ve been searching for ground meat recipes for dinner that feel nostalgic yet satisfying, this is one to keep on repeat in your meal plan. It combines textures, soft potatoes, flavorful beef, and melty cheddar, to create that beloved comfort-food casserole vibe with zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Ground Beef Potato Casserole
This cheesy beef potato casserole keeps things simple while delivering incredible flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy ground beef potato cheese casserole:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef – savory base for the casserole
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for browning and flavor
- 1 medium onion, chopped – adds a sweet aromatic layer
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – boosts the savory flavor
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced – tender, buttery starch foundation
- 1 teaspoon salt – enhances flavor throughout
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for balance and depth
- 1 teaspoon paprika – adds warmth and color
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – subtle herbiness
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – melty, cheesy topping
- 1/2 cup beef broth – helps soften potatoes while cooking
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – bright finish for serving
Optional Add-ins:
Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or extra seasonings, perfect for tailoring the dish to your tastes.
Tip: For extra creaminess, you can swap part of the broth for a splash of heavy cream or use a cheddar cheese blend.

Ground Beef Potato Casserole – Easy Cheesy Hamburger Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 medium potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown beef in olive oil.
- Add onion & garlic; cook until soft.
- Stir in potatoes and seasonings.
- Add broth; cover & simmer 20–25 minutes.
- Top with cheese; melt.
- Add parsley & serve warm.
Notes
- Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for variety.
- Swap cheese types for different flavors.
Helpful Reference
For a similar beef & potato casserole nutrition reference, check out Eat This Much:
https://www.eatthismuch.com/calories/beef-and-potato-casserole-430291
How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole (Step-by-Step)
This cheesy ground beef potato cheese casserole comes together quickly in just one pan, making it a weeknight hero among hamburger potato cheese casserole recipes. Follow these simple steps:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2 — Add Aromatics
Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3 — Add Potatoes and Seasoning
Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix well so the potatoes absorb the seasoning and beef flavor.

Step 4 — Simmer Until Tender
Pour in the beef broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 5 — Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again for 2–3 minutes until melty and gooey.

Step 6 — Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Serve straight from the skillet for cozy, family-style dining, the best way to enjoy this ground beef potato casserole while the cheese is hot and bubbly!
Variations & Substitutions
One of the best things about this ground beef potato casserole is how easy it is to customize! Here are some delicious variations inspired by popular potato and ground beef casserole recipes that you can try depending on what you have on hand:
Protein Swaps
- Ground Turkey Recipes – A leaner, lighter casserole option
- Italian Sausage – Adds bold herbs and a little spice
- Ground Chicken – Mild flavor that pairs well with extra veggies
- Ground Pork – Rich and savory twist on the classic beef version
Tip: If using leaner meats like turkey, add a splash more broth to keep everything juicy.
Veggie Boosts
Mix in for added nutrients and texture:
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Corn or peas
- Spinach or kale
These add-ins make the dish more like a hamburger casserole recipe with a fun personal touch.
Cheese & Sauce Upgrades
Want it extra creamy and cheesy?
- Substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or Pepper Jack
- Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for richness
- Try a cheddar cheese sauce for a more indulgent finish
Fun Flavor Twists
Take your casserole on a world tour:
- Tex-Mex: taco seasoning, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips on top
- Greek: oregano, garlic, and feta cheese
- BBQ Style: BBQ sauce and smoked cheddar
4-Ingredient Ground Beef Casserole (Super Fast!)
For those nights when dinner needs to be FAST:
- Ground beef
- Potatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Cream of mushroom or beefy cream soup
These variations prove just how flexible ground beef casserole recipes can be, a true pantry-friendly meal that works with whatever you’ve got.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Because this dish is hearty and comforting, it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides, but a warm roll or buttery bread never hurts either! These ideas will help turn your casserole into a complete meal everyone will love. Whether you want refreshing vegetables or classic comfort food, these sides make excellent additions to meals with ground beef like this one.
Fresh & Bright Side Dishes
- Green salad with tangy vinaigrette — balances richness perfectly
- Cucumber & tomato salad — crunchy and refreshing
- Coleslaw — adds a sweet and zesty contrast
These crisp sides lighten up one of the best ground beef dishes for weeknights.
Veggie Favorites
- Steamed broccoli with lemon
- Green beans with garlic butter
- Oven-roasted carrots with honey glaze
- Sautéed zucchini
Great for sneaking extra nutrition onto the table!
Bread & Comfort Sides
- Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls
- Buttery cornbread (Southern-style indulgence!)
- Biscuits — perfect for scooping up cheesy beef goodness
Because nobody complains about more carbs with comfort food. 😄
Beverage Pairings
- Iced tea, sparkling lemonade, or citrus soda
- If serving adults: Merlot, Cabernet, or a cold amber ale
How to Store & Reheat Ground Beef Potato Casserole
One of the biggest perks of this cozy casserole is how well it keeps, making it a smart choice for easy meals with ground beef throughout the week. Whether you plan ahead or save leftovers, here’s how to store it properly.
Refrigerate
- Allow the casserole to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container or cover the skillet tightly with foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes
Or microwave individual slices until hot (60–90 seconds)
Freeze
Perfect for stocking up ground beef dishes for busy nights.
- Portion casserole into freezer-safe containers
- Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn
- Freeze for up to 2 months
Reheat from frozen:
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 40–50 minutes, or thaw overnight first for faster cooking.
Tip: Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese before reheating to restore the melty goodness!
Ground Beef Potato Casserole FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time when baking from cold.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely. Cheddar melts beautifully, but Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are great options if you prefer a creamier or slightly spicy flavor.
How do I make this healthier?
Swap ground beef for ground turkey, add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, and reduce the amount of cheese — a great option for lighter ground meat recipes for dinner.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes — frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work well in this dish. No need to thaw, just increase cooking time slightly.
What should I serve with this casserole?
Fresh salads, steamed veggies, or fluffy dinner rolls make this one of the easiest dinner ideas with ground beef that feels complete and satisfying.
Conclusion – Cozy Comfort in Every Bite
This Ground Beef Potato Casserole brings everything we love about homemade comfort food together in one skillet, tender potatoes, savory beef, and melty cheese that keeps you coming back for seconds. It’s easy to see why this simple dish has become a family favorite across generations: it’s budget-friendly, customizable, and one of the best ground beef casserole recipes to rely on for busy weeknights.
So the next time you need a fast, filling idea for dinner, remember this cozy casserole, it’s warm, comforting, and always a hit at the table. Pair it with your favorite sides, save extras for tomorrow, and enjoy this cheesy, hearty ground beef potato casserole whenever comfort cravings strike. ❤️
If you try this recipe, share your twist in the comments! Did you add veggies? Change the cheese? Make it spicy? I love seeing how you make it your own!
for more recipes like this visit 30 Minute Meals.





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