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Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the kind of hearty, comforting dinner that brings together simple ingredients in one satisfying dish. Tender potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese are layered and baked until bubbling and golden. It is easy enough for a weeknight meal but comforting enough to serve when you want something that feels a little more special.

The best part is how each layer complements the others. The potatoes become tender and absorb the rich flavors from the beef and sauce, while the cheese melts into the top and creates a golden, irresistible finish.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

This casserole is especially convenient because it uses affordable, familiar ingredients and requires very little complicated preparation. The ground beef provides plenty of savory flavor, while potatoes make the dish hearty and filling. Cheese adds richness and gives the casserole its deliciously gooey topping.

It is also easy to customize. You can add vegetables such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, or corn, or change the cheese depending on what you have available.

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture

1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup beef broth

For the Potato Layers

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
1 can cream of mushroom soup
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Begin by peeling the potatoes and slicing them into thin, even slices. Aim for slices about ⅛ inch thick.

Keeping the slices relatively uniform is important because it allows the potatoes to cook at the same rate. If some pieces are very thick while others are extremely thin, the thinner pieces may become soft before the thicker ones are fully tender.

Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This helps prevent them from browning.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for several minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns.

Once most of the beef is browned, add the diced onion. Continue cooking for about 4–5 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Season the Beef

Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir everything together.

Pour in the beef broth and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 2–3 minutes. The broth helps keep the beef flavorful and moist without leaving it overly watery.

Remove the skillet from the heat.