Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole (One-Pan Dinner!)

Name: Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole (One-Pan Dinner!)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup beef broth

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese in a comforting, one-pan meal that your family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe packs a punch of flavor and requires minimal cleanup, making it a lifesaver for any home cook. Whip it up for a satisfying dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2025-12-11T14:46:42.154Z

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, designed to satisfy hungry bellies with minimal effort. Each layer of beef, potatoes, and cheese melds together to create an irresistible dish.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Life can often feel hectic, especially during the workweek. Between balancing work commitments, family responsibilities, and other daily activities, finding the time to prepare a wholesome meal can be challenging. This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole not only simplifies the cooking process but also allows you to present a nutritious meal with minimal effort. With a prep time of just a few minutes, this dish provides a hearty solution that satisfies both appetites and time constraints.

The one-pan nature of this casserole means you can spend less time doing dishes and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones. Just one baking dish holds all the flavors, making cleanup a breeze. This is an especially fantastic feature when cooking for a busy family, as it encourages togetherness at the dinner table without the hassle of excessive culinary cleanup.

A Flavorful Combination

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the delicious combination of ingredients. Savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and the irresistible gooeyness of cheddar cheese create a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers a hearty satisfaction that results from slow-cooking and blending these flavors together. The addition of onions and garlic enhances the depth of flavor while contributing to an appetizing aroma that will have everyone eager to dive into dinner.

Additionally, this casserole is versatile. You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite spices, vegetables, or even swapping out the cheese. Craving something with a bit of a kick? Consider adding jalapeños or swapping cheddar for pepper jack. The potential for variation makes this dish not only a reliable go-to but also a canvas for culinary creativity that can evolve with your family's preferences.

Nutritious and Wholesome

Achieving a balance between taste and nutrition is essential for any home cook. This casserole offers an appealing combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats that keep you feeling full and satisfied. Ground beef serves as a great source of protein, while the potatoes provide complex carbohydrates necessary for energy. The inclusion of both garlic and onion contributes additional health benefits, including enhancing your immune system and promoting digestion.

Moreover, the beauty of this dish lies in its wholesome ingredients. With simple, fresh items such as potatoes and beef broth, you can easily avoid heavily processed products. Supporting your family's well-being through nutritious meals doesn’t have to come at the cost of sacrificing flavor. As your family gathers around the table to enjoy this delicious casserole, they’ll not only be indulged in flavor but also nourished with wholesome goodness.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup beef broth

Make sure to have everything ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

Add Vegetables

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent.

Layer Ingredients

In a baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by the beef mixture, and topped with half of the cheese. Repeat the layers.

Pour Broth

Pour the beef broth over the top of the layers.

Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake for another 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For long-term storage, consider freezing portions of the casserole. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe dish to avoid freezer burn.

When reheating, you can either microwave individual servings or place the casserole back in the oven. For the oven method, cover it with foil to ensure even heating and prevent the cheese from burning. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, generally around 20-30 minutes. Leftovers can be just as delightful, making this dish an excellent option for meal prep!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your casserole experience, consider pairing it with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Tossing a fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette will add a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the casserole. Alternatively, steamed green beans or broccoli can add a pop of color and additional nutrition to your meal, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience that can easily satisfy various taste preferences.

For a fun twist, think about accompanying the casserole with warm crusty bread. This will soak up the delicious juices and cheesy goodness, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your meal. A simple garlic bread or a classic baguette makes for an easy addition that raises the comfort level of your dinner.

Kid-Friendly Meal

One of the standout features of this casserole is its appeal to kids. The melting cheese, tender potatoes, and savory beef make it an enjoyable meal for even the pickiest of eaters. Introduce some fun variations; perhaps try different cheese options or sneak in some hidden vegetables such as spinach or carrots. Kids love the rich, comforting flavors, and they'll appreciate a meal that feels more like a treat than a healthy option.

Additionally, getting children involved in meal preparation can be a fun bonding activity. Allow them to help layer the ingredients, sprinkle the cheese, or even choose a side dish. This not only teaches them valuable cooking skills but also gets them excited about the meal they helped create, leading to a more enthusiastic dinner engagement.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to use mozzarella or a cheese blend if you prefer.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.