Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for family dinners. Combining tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese creates a satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare and sure to please.

Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened.
- Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked.
- Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and stir well, allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well incorporated.
- Step 7: Transfer the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Step 8: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Step 9: Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbling.
- Step 10: Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh parsley or chives before serving.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- You can mix in other vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Storage
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. For best results, cover the dish while reheating in the oven to retain moisture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend based on your preference. Just keep the quantity the same for a similar cheesy topping.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
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Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole featuring savory browned beef, tender diced potatoes, and a cheesy sour cream mixture baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole combines simple ingredients with aromatic seasonings for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole later.
- Prepare Vegetables: Peel the russet potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes for uniform cooking. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves for sautéing.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become fragrant and softened, which enhances their flavors.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics. Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook the beef while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and completely cooked through.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together. Then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Combine with Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the beef mixture. Fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined beef and potato mixture into a baking dish. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly. Then serve warm as a hearty main dish.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the sour cream mixture.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite melting cheese such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Make sure to dice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking during baking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when seasoning the beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ground beef casserole, potato casserole, cheesy ground beef bake, beef and potatoes recipe, easy casserole

