Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Bake
The ultimate cozy family dinner! Tender layers of sliced potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce come together in this irresistible casserole. Baked until bubbling and topped with a perfectly golden layer of melted cheese, it’s the kind of comforting meal everyone will ask for again and again.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
– 1½ lbs (700 g) lean ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 5 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– ½ tsp onion powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess grease.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in 1½ cups cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
4. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes and pour over half of the cheese sauce.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese sauce.
7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
8. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella over the top, and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Tips
– Add sliced mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
– Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby for a different cheesy twist.
– Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Every cheesy, creamy bite is loaded with hearty beef, tender potatoes, and rich homemade flavor—pure comfort food at its best!
