Name: Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb / 900 g Russet potatoes; 1 lb / 450 g ground beef (80/20 works well); 8 oz / 225 g whipped cream cheese spread; 1 cup / 115 g / 4 oz shredded white cheddar cheese; 3 tomatoes, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp Italian seasoning, divided; 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided (or to taste); 1/2 tsp ground pepper, divided (or to taste); 1 tsp garlic powder

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 82 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty dish that brings a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures, look no further than this Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender, creamy potatoes layered with savory ground beef and creamy whipped cream cheese, all wrapped up with the fresh brightness of tomatoes and a golden crust of white cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss, this casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a silver pot filled with clear water holding eleven peeled yellowish potatoes fully submerged. The pot has brown handles and sits on a white marbled surface with a light grey cloth partially visible on the right side photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet play a vital role in creating the dish’s flavor, color, and texture. From the heartiness of russet potatoes to the creamy dreaminess of whipped cream cheese, each component combines nicely to elevate this classic comfort food.

2 lb / 900 g Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes create the perfect tender base that holds the casserole together beautifully.
1 lb / 450 g ground beef (80/20 works well): Adds rich, savory depth and a satisfying protein punch to the dish.
8 oz / 225 g whipped cream cheese spread: Blends in smooth creaminess that ties all layers together.
3 tomatoes, sliced: Bring freshness and a pop of acidity to balance richness.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used for cooking the beef and gives a subtle fruity undertone.
2 tbsp Italian seasoning, divided: Infuses Italian herbs like oregano and basil that add warmth and complexity.
1 1/2 tsp salt, divided (or to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
1/2 tsp ground pepper, divided (or to taste): Adds a mild kick and rounds out the seasoning.
1 tsp garlic powder: Delivers a mellow garlic flavor that’s gentle but noticeable.
1 cup / 115 g / 4 oz shredded white cheddar cheese: Melts to golden, gooey perfection, giving the casserole a luscious, cheesy crust.

How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling your russet potatoes and slicing them thinly for even cooking. This step ensures that every layer gets tender while still holding its shape, creating the ideal texture contrast with the rest of the casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Season it with half of the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse it with flavor as it browns. Cook until no longer pink and fully browned, breaking it up as you go for an evenly textured filling.

Step 3: Combine Cream Cheese and Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix the whipped cream cheese with the remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture will not only add a rich mouthfeel but also boost the flavor’s complexity throughout the casserole layers.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Grab a greased casserole dish and start layering the ingredients. Begin with a layer of sliced potatoes, then spread some of the cream cheese blend over them. Next, add a layer of cooked ground beef followed by sliced tomatoes. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous sprinkle of shredded white cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cover the dish with foil. Bake for about 45 minutes to soften the potatoes thoroughly and let the flavors meld. Remove the foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to brown and bubble into a golden, irresistible crust.

How to Serve Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

The dish has a base layer of thin, round yellow potato slices arranged across a white plate, topped with bright red tomato slices. Over these layers, there are small browned pieces of ground meat scattered unevenly. White cheese crumbles are sprinkled on top, adding contrast. Light green fresh herbs are scattered across all layers for color and freshness. A silver fork rests on the bottom edge of the plate. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions make a pretty, flavorful garnish. They add a fresh, vibrant note that cuts through the richness, waking up your taste buds with every bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines beautifully alongside crisp green salads or steamed seasonal vegetables, which offer a light contrast. Roasted broccoli or a simple cucumber salad pairs wonderfully to create a balanced, inviting plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or mini casserole dishes topped with a dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce. You can also turn leftovers into hearty breakfast hash by frying chunks in a skillet with eggs on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier when reheated.

Freezing

This Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep texture and flavor intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, roughly 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for a quick fix. To restore crispiness on top, a quick broil at the end works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of white cheddar?

Absolutely! While white cheddar offers a nice balance of sharpness and meltiness, other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack can be delicious alternatives depending on your preference for creaminess or spice.

Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it when ready. This makes weeknight dinners or gatherings much easier to manage.

Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well if you want a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Peeling russet potatoes helps create a creamier texture in this casserole, but if you prefer extra fiber and a rustic feel, you can leave the skins on after giving them a good scrub.

How spicy is this casserole?

This recipe is mildly seasoned with gentle herbs and basic spices, making it family-friendly. You can easily add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you want to spice things up.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a well-made Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy night in, this dish is a dependable crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection!