Description

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole layers thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef with sweet onions, and a quick homemade cheese sauce. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and weeknight-easy—perfect for beef-and-potato lovers and meal-prep leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

CASSEROLE

1 1/2 lb russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8–1/4 inch)
1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided (to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper, divided (to taste)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 Tbsp butter (for onions/pan)

CHEESE SAUCE

2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk, warmed
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
2 cups shredded cheddar or cheddar/Jack blend, divided

OPTIONAL ADD-INS

1 cup frozen peas or corn (no need to thaw)
1 cup sliced mushrooms (sauté with onions)
1 cup diced bell peppers (sauté with onions)
Pinch red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Slice potatoes thinly.

2. Brown ground beef with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper in a skillet over medium-high, 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl; leave a little fat.

3. Add 2 Tbsp butter and onions to the skillet; cook 6–8 minutes until lightly golden. Stir in garlic 30 seconds, smoked paprika, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Return beef to the skillet and toss.

4. Make cheese sauce: Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour 1 minute. Slowly whisk in warm milk; simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Off heat, whisk in Dijon (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt to taste, and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese until smooth.

5. Layer: Half the potatoes (season lightly), half the beef-onion mixture, half the cheese sauce. Repeat. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top.

6. Cover with foil; bake 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more, until potatoes are tender and top is bubbly and golden.

7. Rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance; add 10–15 minutes to bake time from fridge.

Freezer: Freeze baked, cooled portions up to 3 months; reheat covered at 325°F until hot.

Gluten-free: Use GF flour or a cornstarch slurry in the sauce.

4-ingredient shortcut: Layer potatoes, seasoned beef, and cheese; pour 1/2–3/4 cup milk over top. Cover and bake until tender; uncover to brown.

Serving ideas: Green salad, steamed green beans, or a cup of simple soup for balance.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 casserole)
Calories: 430
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 90mg