Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is one of those cozy, no-fuss dinners that brings everyone to the table—fast. Think hearty layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey cheddar cheese all mingling together in one skillet. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day of work, errands, and, let’s be honest, trying to remember where you put your coffee.

If you love comforting casseroles that don’t require an entire afternoon in the kitchen, this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole will quickly become your new weeknight favorite. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, it’s a satisfying dish that delivers all the goodness of comfort food without the extra dishes. Plus, the smell of it bubbling away? Absolutely irresistible.

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What is Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole?

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is a down-home classic that combines everyday staples into something truly comforting. It’s a one-pan wonder made with seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, tender potatoes, and cheddar cheese melted to perfection. This hearty casserole feels like something straight from grandma’s kitchen—simple, hearty, and made with love. It’s perfect for busy families, hungry teenagers, or anyone who wants a delicious dinner without complicated steps.

While some casseroles require baking, this one cooks right on your stovetop in about 40 minutes. The result? A cheesy, savory meal that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something satisfying and homey, Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole hits all the right notes of flavor and comfort.

Reasons to Try Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

There are plenty of reasons to love this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole, but let’s start with the obvious—it’s quick, hearty, and crazy satisfying. For starters, it uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen: ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and a few pantry spices. No fancy ingredients, no confusing steps. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—kids love the cheesy goodness, while adults appreciate how filling it is. It’s also super versatile: you can toss in veggies like peas, corn, or bell peppers if you want to add a little extra color and nutrition.

Another bonus? It reheats beautifully, so leftovers make for a delicious lunch the next day. And if you’re a fan of other cozy casseroles, you’ll love similar dishes like the Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe and Cowboy Cornbread Casserole—both reader favorites for the same comforting reason.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions to Make Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Let’s walk through this Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole step by step, so you can recreate this cozy, flavorful dish with confidence. Each part of this process builds incredible layers of flavor, turning simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef — Building the Flavor Base

Start your step by step journey by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small, even crumbles as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready when the meat turns from pink to golden brown and the edges start to caramelize. This step is where the magic begins—the browning adds a deep, savory flavor that’s the foundation of your casserole. If you love this kind of hearty base, you might also enjoy my Easy Ground Beef Vegetable Soup, which uses the same technique for a rich, comforting flavor.

Step 2: Add the Onion and Garlic — Aromatic Goodness

Once the beef is nicely browned, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together, letting those aromatics cook for about 3–4 minutes until they’re soft, fragrant, and slightly golden. This step adds depth and warmth to your dish, infusing every bite with subtle sweetness from the onion and that unmistakable garlic aroma we all love. Keep the heat moderate—too high, and the garlic might burn. If you’ve ever made my Creamy Butternut Squash Casserole, you’ll recognize this slow sauté technique that helps develop balanced, layered flavors.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Seasoning — The Comfort Layers

Now comes the heart of the Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole step by step process. Add your peeled and diced potatoes to the skillet, making sure the pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano, and give everything a good stir. Watch as the seasonings coat the potatoes and beef in that beautiful reddish-golden hue from the paprika—it’s pure comfort food in progress. This is also a great point to get creative. You can easily add diced bell peppers or frozen peas if you want to sneak in extra veggies. (If you love flexible, veggie-packed dishes, check out my Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet for more inspiration!)

Step 4: Simmer and Soften — The Secret to Perfect Potatoes

Next, pour in the beef broth. This small but mighty addition helps steam the potatoes while infusing them with rich, beefy flavor. Cover your skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer for about 20–25 minutes. This step by step slow-cooking phase allows the potatoes to soften perfectly while absorbing all the flavorful juices from the beef and broth.

Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. You’ll know this stage is ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. If you like learning the science behind tender potatoes, you’ll enjoy my guide on Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes, which explains why simmering time makes all the difference in texture.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese — The Final Touch of Comfort

Now for the best part—the cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top of the beef and potatoes. Cover the skillet again and let the heat gently melt the cheese for 2–3 minutes. When you lift the lid, you should see a gooey, golden blanket of cheddar that ties everything together beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley for a little burst of color and brightness. This final step by step moment transforms your dish from simple to spectacular. It’s that irresistible, cheesy finish that makes everyone come back for seconds.

If you enjoy this cheesy magic, you might want to try my Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese next—it’s another melt-in-your-mouth classic that brings all the cozy vibes of home-cooked comfort.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy — From Skillet to Table

Scoop generous portions onto plates while it’s still warm. You’ll see layers of soft, buttery potatoes, savory beef, and melty cheese—all harmonizing into a perfect bite. Pair it with a light side like Candied Carrots or a crisp green salad for balance. And if you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they reheat beautifully the next day.

What to Serve with Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its rich flavors. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps lighten things up. For something cozier, try serving it with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Candied Carrots for a sweet touch. If you’re going full comfort mode, buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread are perfect for soaking up every cheesy bite. For dessert, consider something light and refreshing like Delicious Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple—it’s the ideal sweet ending to a cozy meal.

Key Tips for Making Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent sticking and to distribute heat evenly. If your potatoes are cooking unevenly, cut them into smaller, uniform pieces before adding them to the pan. For extra creaminess, try mixing in a spoonful of sour cream before topping with cheese. Want to add more veggies? Toss in frozen peas or diced carrots during the simmering stage. If you’re short on time, you can parboil the potatoes beforehand to speed up the cooking process.

Finally, use freshly grated cheddar instead of pre-shredded—it melts smoother and gives a richer flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in a skillet over medium heat and cover until warmed through, or microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of beef broth before reheating. This casserole also freezes well—just let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly for a lighter version.

Can I bake this casserole instead of cooking it on the stove?
Absolutely—just transfer everything to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a blend of both makes it extra gooey.

Can I add vegetables?
Definitely—try peas, corn, or even spinach for extra nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight meal—simple, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, no matter how busy the day’s been. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again. If this kind of hearty, homestyle cooking speaks to you, check out our Creamy Butternut Squash Casserole or Paula Deen Corn Casserole for more cozy dinner inspiration.

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