Cheesy Ground Beef & Layered Potato Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

If there’s one dish that perfectly combines warmth, heartiness, and comfort, it’s a cheesy ground beef and layered potato bake. Imagine tender layers of seasoned ground beef, velvety potatoes, and gooey cheese baked to golden perfection—this casserole is the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this irresistible meal.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

For the Beef Layer:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup tomato sauce or pasta sauce

For the Potato Layer:

4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup milk or heavy cream
1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Toppings:

Fresh parsley, chopped
A pinch of smoked paprika

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Beef Filling

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
Stir in chopped onions and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Add paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Pour in the tomato sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

Tip: For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of mustard to the beef mixture.

2. Prepare the Potato Layer

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes—about ⅛ inch thick works best for even baking.
In a small saucepan, warm the milk or cream with butter, salt, and pepper. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the creamy flavor.

Tip: For a richer dish, you can use half-and-half or mix in a little cream cheese.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Begin with a layer of half the sliced potatoes at the bottom.
Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheese evenly over the beef.
Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and another third of the cheese.
Pour the warm milk/cream mixture evenly over the layers to add creaminess.
Top with the remaining cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a golden crust.

4. Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tip: This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added color and flavor.
Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Why This Dish Is So Special

Flavorful Layers: The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Versatile: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, or add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for an extra layer of goodness.
Comfort in Every Bite: The warm, cheesy, hearty layers make this perfect for chilly evenings or family dinners.

This Cheesy Ground Beef & Layered Potato Bake is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of comfort, warmth, and indulgence. Once you make it, it will quickly become a go-to recipe for cozy nights at home.

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