The first time I made cheesy ground beef and potato casserole, it was a chilly Tuesday night, and everyone was “hangry.” I needed something hearty, fast, and guaranteed to hush the table. This comforting bake came together with what I had on hand—and the silence after that first bite was golden.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one’s a weeknight lifesaver.
It takes just 10 minutes to prep, then the oven handles the rest.
You’re working with simple, budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have. It’s loaded with cheese, cozy potatoes, and beef—classic comfort food. Plus, it’s big-batch friendly and totally kid-approved.
Even better? You can swap and add what you like. Toss in veggies, change the cheese, or use different soups. It’s a solid base with room to play.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 lb): Go for 80/20 for flavor, but dab that grease
- Frozen cubed potatoes with onions & peppers (28 oz): Huge time saver
- Cheddar cheese soup (10.5 oz can): Adds melty depth
- Cream of celery or mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): Brings creaminess
- Shredded cheddar (2+ cups): Use as much as your cheesy heart desires
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder—whatever you love
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
You can easily toss in a handful of extras:
- Green beans, corn, chopped bell peppers
- Sliced mushrooms or zucchini (no need to cook them first)
- Swap cheddar soup for nacho cheese or even broccoli cheddar
- Add mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby in place of cheddar
The base holds strong—feel free to riff!
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Step 1 – Prep & Brown the Beef
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9×13 dish so nothing sticks.
Then, cook your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it browns. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder—whatever seasoning fits your vibe. Once cooked, dab off the extra grease with a paper towel.
Step 2 – Mix Everything Together
Grab a big bowl.
Stir together the beef, frozen potato mix, both soups, and about half of the shredded cheese. Give it a taste—this is your chance to bump up the flavor if needed.
Step 3 – Assemble in Baking Dish
Scoop the mixture into your greased baking dish.
Spread it out evenly and top with the rest of the cheese. Don’t worry if it looks rustic—it’s comfort food.
Step 4 – Bake Until Golden & Cheesy
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes.
You want that cheese to bubble and start turning golden brown.
If you love crispy cheese, broil it for 2–3 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on it.
Helpful Tips for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
- Soup swaps: Try cream of mushroom, chicken, or even broccoli cheese
- Potatoes: If your crew prefers plain cubes, go with those instead
- Cheese: Two cups is a guide, not a rule. You can load it up!
- Make-ahead: Mix everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed
- Reheating: Pop leftovers in the oven or microwave until warm and melty
This recipe is super forgiving, which makes it great for busy nights. Or when you just need something solid and satisfying.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the entire thing, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, bake as usual—maybe add 5 extra minutes since it’ll be cold going in.
What can I serve with ground beef & potato casserole?
Try it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or some steamed broccoli. It’s also great alongside something fresh like this creamy oven-baked chicken thighs for easy weeknight dinners.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then portion and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy again.
Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole Recipe Card
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Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole – Easy & Delicious
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A comforting, cheesy casserole made with ground beef, frozen potatoes, and creamy soups. Perfect for busy weeknights or easy family dinners.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 (28oz) bag frozen cubed potatoes with onions & peppers
1 (10.5oz) can cheddar cheese soup
1 (10.5oz) can cream of celery soup (or mushroom)
2+ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to taste)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Season and drain excess grease.
3. In a large bowl, combine beef, frozen potatoes, soups, and half the cheese. Mix well.
4. Spread mixture evenly into the baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is golden. Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for crispy top.
Notes
Swap cream of celery with mushroom or chicken soup.
Use plain cubed potatoes if preferred.
Add-ins like corn, green beans, mushrooms, or zucchini work well.
Make ahead: Prepare and refrigerate overnight.
Leftovers reheat well in microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
More Recipes Like Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
If you love easy comfort food, here are a few more recipes worth bookmarking:
- Crockpot garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes for a set-it-and-forget-it meal
- Cheesy ranch potatoes with smoked sausage for that smoky-cheesy craving
- Ground beef and zucchini skillet for quick skillet meals when you want low-fuss stovetop cooking
Final Thoughts on Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
This cheesy ground beef & potato casserole checks all the boxes: fast, filling, and flexible.
It’s perfect for weeknights when life feels nonstop, or for slow Sundays when you want something warm and familiar.
It’s also a great way to use what you have in the pantry or freezer.
You can dress it up, lighten it up, or keep it classic. Either way, it always delivers comfort by the spoonful.
If you try it, I’d love to see your version—come share with us over on Pinterest or Facebook.