Introduction

This Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It layers seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes and a creamy cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbly. Simple to prepare, it delivers rich flavors everyone will love.

A round dish with three visible layers starts with a base layer of browned cooked meat mixed with melted cheese that oozes slightly at the edges. Above this is a layer of thinly sliced pale yellow potatoes forming a neat pattern. The top layer is golden brown, crispy melted cheese sprinkled with fresh chopped green herbs. The dish is served on a white plate placed on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra cheesiness)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in olive oil until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, then stir in the ground beef along with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, toss the thinly sliced potatoes with melted butter, ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Step 4: In a baking dish, layer half of the potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread the beef mixture over the potatoes, then top with the remaining potatoes.
Step 5: Whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, flour, ½ teaspoon salt, ground mustard, and dried parsley until smooth. Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the layered casserole.
Step 6: Top the casserole with an even layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then sprinkle the additional ½ cup cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 8: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Tips & Variations

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture instead of russets.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Mix in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers with the beef for extra veggies.
For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of whole milk and cream.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep it creamy. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baked layered dish in a white round bowl showing a top golden-browned crust with small browned spots and sprinkled green herbs. The dish has three visible layers: the top layer consists of thin, golden-yellow potato slices with crispy edges, the middle layer contains cooked brown minced meat with a slightly glossy texture, and the bottom layer is a creamy sauce holding the layers together. Part of the dish has been cut revealing the layers inside clearly. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from cold.

What can I serve with this beef and potato casserole?

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance its richness. A side of crusty bread is also a great option to soak up the creamy sauce.