If you are on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. With layers of tender diced potatoes, savory ground beef, and a creamy blend of cheesy soups, every bite bursts with rich flavors and satisfying textures. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, and is surprisingly easy to make despite tasting like a special occasion meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and heartiness. These basics combine to deliver a dish that’s both filling and irresistibly cheesy.
- 1 lb ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a hearty, flavorful base without excess grease.
- 1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen Potatoes O’Brien: These come with peppers and onions already mixed in for a subtle, vibrant flavor and great texture.
- 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup: Adds rich, creamy cheesiness that binds the casserole together beautifully.
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup: Provides extra creaminess and depth to the sauce, making every bite silky smooth.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is best for that perfect melty, gooey topping and extra cheesy pockets inside.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors in the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial for getting a perfectly baked casserole with a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
Step 2: Combine All the Delicious Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked and drained ground beef with the frozen Potatoes O’Brien, both soups, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season everything well with salt and pepper. This combination ensures that every forkful is a balanced harmony of tender potatoes, meaty goodness, and creamy cheese.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and then spread the mixture evenly in the dish. This gives your casserole a nice, uniform layer that cooks evenly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil to trap moisture and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling with cheesy goodness. This last step creates that irresistible crust everyone loves.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes so it sets slightly and becomes easier to serve. This pause allows the flavors to meld and guarantees each bite holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh bite that balances the richness of this dense casserole. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream on the side can lend a cool, tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is quite filling, pairing it with lighter sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted broccoli will round out your meal nicely without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch at dinner parties. You could also add a layer of crispy bacon or caramelized onions on top before baking for added texture and flavor dimensions. These simple tweaks keep the Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe exciting and new each time you make it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months without compromising taste or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through to keep the cheese from drying out. Your casserole will come back to life almost as good as freshly baked!
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen Potatoes O’Brien?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, dice and parboil them before mixing into the casserole to ensure they cook fully during baking. Keep in mind you’ll need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, by swapping the ground beef for a hearty vegetable substitute like sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground “meat,” you can still enjoy the rich cheesiness and texture with a vegetarian twist.
What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor punch and melts beautifully. You can also experiment by mixing in mozzarella for extra stretchiness or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake later?
Certainly! Assemble the casserole in your dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, pop it in the oven and add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time for a piping hot finish.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños into the mixture before baking. This will give the casserole a lively kick that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a home-cooked Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe that brings both nostalgia and joy to the dinner table. With its crowd-pleasing flavors, ease of preparation, and versatile nature, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. I promise once you try it, this casserole could very well become one of your favorites to share with family and friends.
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Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining flavorful ground beef, seasoned frozen potatoes, creamy soups, and melted cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. Perfect for an easy family dinner, it offers a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal prep and cooking time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen Potatoes O’Brien (with onions & peppers)
- 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked and drained ground beef, frozen Potatoes O’Brien, condensed cheddar cheese soup, condensed cream of mushroom or chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with green beans or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup based on preference.
- For a spicier version, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Make sure to drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings; use a larger baking dish accordingly.
