Name: Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon flour; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe. Imagine fork-tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melting cheddar cheese all coming together in hearty, irresistible layers. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and guarantees satisfied smiles around the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this casserole is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing classic.

Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe so special is how it starts with simple, no-nonsense ingredients, each one playing a starring role. From creamy cheese to perfectly seasoned beef, every component brings its own magic—so don’t skip a thing!

1 pound ground beef: The hearty foundation of the casserole, adding rich and savory flavor to every bite.
1 small onion (diced): Provides aromatic sweetness and a subtle crunch that marries perfectly with the beef.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a punch of flavor that lifts the whole dish without overwhelming it.
4 cups potatoes (thinly sliced): The tender, starchy layers that soak up all those wonderful flavors; a mandoline makes slicing quick and even.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the potatoes bake up golden and keeps things moist and luscious.
1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Balances out the richness and adds a gentle heat that isn’t overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness and color that takes the beef up a notch.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses the casserole with earthy, aromatic notes that pair beautifully with potato and cheese.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden ribbons—feel free to use sharp cheddar for extra tang.
1 cup milk: Creates the creamy sauce that binds everything together.
1/2 cup sour cream: Contributes delightful tanginess and luscious texture to the sauce.
1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the sauce so you get those perfect creamy layers.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a cheesy, salty punch right on top for maximum flavor payoff.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, vibrant touch if you want to dress things up before serving.

How to Make Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), the perfect temperature to ensure a bubbling, golden-topped casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or your favorite non-stick spray; this keeps the layers from sticking and makes serving so much easier later.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Set a skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef and diced onion. Sauté until the beef is browned and the onions are tender and fragrant. Add minced garlic, plus your salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Let everything cook for another minute to allow those flavors to meld. Drain any extra fat if needed—this step keeps the casserole from getting greasy. Set the beef mixture aside for layering magic later.

Step 3: Prep the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, and flour until you have a smooth, lump-free mixture. This is the secret ingredient that brings all the layers together with a velvety, luxurious texture.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Time to build those irresistible layers! Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish so they overlap slightly. Top them with half of the beef mixture, then sprinkle on half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers one more time with the remaining ingredients. This creates tender, flavorful strata that bake up perfectly every time.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Cheese

Pour your milk-sour cream sauce slowly and evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring it soaks down through all the layers. Sprinkle everything with grated Parmesan cheese for that golden, bubbly finish we all love.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes to let the potatoes get tender and all the flavors meld together. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes—this is when the top gets that perfect gooey, crisped-up cheese crust. When it’s golden and bubbling around the edges, it’s ready!

Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve

It’s tempting to dig right in, but give your Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe about 10 minutes to rest. This helps the layers set for easy serving—and keeps your mouth from getting burned on molten cheese!

How to Serve Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Sometimes the simplest touches make the biggest difference. Scatter over some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, or add a little extra grated Parmesan just before serving, if you want a beautiful cheesy finish and a burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal all on its own, but it loves company. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, some garlicky steamed broccoli, or a pan of roasted seasonal vegetables for a bright, balanced plate. Warm dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up every last bit of cheesy sauce too!

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style meal, bring the bubbling Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe straight from the oven to the table in its baking dish for a cozy, communal vibe. Want to get fancy? Try cutting it into neat squares and plating individually with a swoosh of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives for a dinner party-ready look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then cover the casserole dish with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. In the fridge, your Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—perfect for lunch or a next-day dinner win.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream! Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Label and freeze for up to two months. When you crave a comforting meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 2 minutes, or warm the entire baking dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. If needed, cover with foil to keep the cheese from over-browning as it warms up. It tastes just as cozy and satisfying the next day!

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for this casserole?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives great melt and sharp flavor, you can try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness, or even pepper jack for a little kick. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best results.

How can I make this Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with your favorite gluten-free blend or a tablespoon of cornstarch. Check your other ingredient labels to make sure there’s no hidden gluten.

What’s the best way to get evenly sliced potatoes?

A mandoline slicer really is your secret weapon here! It gives you thin, uniform slices that cook evenly and look restaurant-worthy. If you don’t have one, a sharp knife will work—just take your time to slice the potatoes as evenly as you can.

Can I swap the ground beef for another protein?

Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving. Ground turkey or pork works well, or try crumbled cooked sausage for a fun twist. You could even make it vegetarian with lentils or plant-based crumbles—just make sure to season everything well.

Is it possible to prepare the casserole ahead of time?

You bet! Assemble the entire casserole (just don’t bake it), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. Easy as that!

Final Thoughts

If comfort and convenience are what you’re after, this Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or tucking into a cozy solo bowl, there’s simply nothing better than digging into those cheesy, hearty layers. I hope you’ll give this recipe a whirl soon—it’s pure joy, one forkful at a time!

Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Beef Potato Cheese Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that layers thinly sliced potatoes with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and a savory milk mixture. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a satisfying main course perfect for cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Layering:

4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Milk Mixture:

1 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon flour

Topping:

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook beef: Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet. Add garlic and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Prepare layers: Whisk together milk, sour cream, and flour. Layer potatoes, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese in the baking dish.
Final assembly: Pour milk mixture over the casserole, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.