Hello there! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook — where passion meets the plate. Cooking is my love language, and every recipe I share is tested, heartfelt, and designed to make your kitchen time meaningful. Today, I’m excited to share my Ground Beef and Potato Casserole recipe that has become a staple at my family table.
At Bikren Cook, we believe food isn’t just about taste — it’s about creating memories around the table. This casserole does exactly that – it brings everyone together with its comforting aroma and satisfying flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends on a chilly evening, this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole will make your meal feel special and nurturing.
Ingredients & Preparation for Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Meat Prep Essentials
Before diving into our Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, proper meat preparation is key. Start by selecting 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If your ground beef seems too wet, pat it gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture. For enhanced flavor, you can season the meat 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow the salt to penetrate the beef.
Marinades & Rubs
For an extra flavorful Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, consider these seasoning options:
- Basic seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Italian blend: Dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes
- Smoky variation: Smoked paprika, cumin, and a dash of mustard powder
- Fresh herbs: Chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley (add fresh herbs last 5 minutes of cooking)
Mix your chosen seasonings into the beef before browning for maximum flavor development. Just like when I make my Apple Pie Cupcakes, I believe that proper seasoning is the foundation of any great recipe!
Pantry Staples
These kitchen staples elevate your Ground Beef and Potato Casserole:
- Olive oil for browning the meat
- Worcestershire sauce for umami depth
- Tomato paste for rich flavor
- Beef broth for moisture and flavor
- Fresh garlic (always better than powder for this recipe)
- Bay leaves for aromatic complexity
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Pre-Cooking Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Peel and slice 2 pounds of potatoes into ¼-inch rounds
- Dice 1 large onion and 2 cloves of garlic
- Grate 2 cups of cheddar cheese
- Have all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking
Cooking Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon
- When beef is halfway cooked, add diced onions and garlic
- Cook until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent (about 5-7 minutes)
- Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings
- Add ½ cup beef broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced
- In a 9×13 casserole dish, layer half the potatoes on the bottom
- Spoon half the beef mixture over potatoes
- Add another layer of potatoes, then top with remaining beef mixture
- Pour remaining beef broth (about ¼ cup) over the casserole
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes
- Remove foil, top with cheese, and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden
Discover more delicious recipes on Bikren Cook’s Pinterest — your next favorite meal is waiting!
Doneness Check
Your Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is done when:
- Potatoes are fork-tender
- The internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Cheese is melted and lightly browned
- The casserole is bubbling around the edges
Resting
Allow your casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly, making for easier serving and better texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Avoiding Tough/Dry Casserole
- Don’t overcook the ground beef during the initial browning
- Add enough liquid to ensure potatoes cook properly
- Cover tightly with foil for the first baking phase
- For extra moisture, you can add a layer of sliced tomatoes
- If your casserole seems dry during cooking, add a splash more broth
Tool Recommendations
- Cast iron skillet for properly browning the beef
- Sharp chef’s knife for uniform potato slices
- Box grater for cheese (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that affect melting)
- Deep casserole dish with lid or good quality aluminum foil
- Instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Ground Beef and Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Flavor Variations for Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Spicy Twist
Add a diced jalapeño, ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick that transforms this comfort food classic.
Keto/Paleo-Friendly
Replace potatoes with sliced turnips, radishes, or cauliflower for a lower-carb version. Use coconut aminos instead of Worcestershire sauce and increase the olive oil for added healthy fats.
Global Flavors
- Mexican-inspired: Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top with a blend of Mexican cheeses
- Greek-style: Mix in oregano, lemon zest, and feta cheese instead of cheddar
- Indian-inspired: Add garam masala, turmeric, and peas to the beef mixture
When I’m feeling adventurous, I love creating global variations of classic recipes, just like I do with my White Chocolate Cranberry Tart during holiday seasons!
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
This hearty Ground Beef and Potato Casserole pairs wonderfully with:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Crusty bread for sopping up the savory juices
- Pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast
For beverages, try:
- Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon
- Unsweetened iced tea with fresh mint
- Apple cider (warm or cold) for a seasonal touch
FAQs About Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Can I make this Ground Beef and Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
What’s the best potato variety to use?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this casserole as they hold their shape while becoming creamy when baked. Russets work well too, but they’ll break down more, creating a thicker texture. Red potatoes will hold their shape the best if you prefer more defined potato slices.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, assemble completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. For baked casseroles, cool completely, cover, and freeze. Reheat covered at 350°F until heated through.
If you enjoy make-ahead meals, you’ll also love my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars that freeze beautifully for future dessert emergencies!
Conclusion
This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special – a hearty, comforting meal that feeds both body and soul. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition, with its layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese creating the perfect comfort food experience.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own! Add vegetables you love, experiment with different cheeses, or try the flavor variations. The beauty of cooking lies in personalization and creating dishes that speak to your family’s tastes.
Warm up your kitchen and gather your loved ones around the table with this delicious Ground Beef and Potato Casserole tonight! And if you’re looking for more inspiration, explore more recipes on Bikren Cook’s Pinterest. I’d love to see how your casserole turns out!