The Best Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Ground beef and potato bake dishes offer incredible comfort during chilly evenings.

Warm, satisfying meals like this one connect people through delicious shared experiences.

Robust ingredients combine to create something truly memorable for hungry diners.

Crispy exterior layers promise incredible textural contrast with soft, tender inner components.

Home cooks appreciate straightforward recipes that deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Blending simple proteins with classic root vegetables ensures a crowd-pleasing meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Bold seasonings and strategic layering guarantee a memorable dining adventure you won’t forget.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Potato Bake

• Ground Beef: Rich, savory meat that provides the main protein for the casserole. Choose lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.

• Potatoes: Sturdy base that adds hearty substance to the dish. Russet or Yukon Gold work best for even cooking and creamy texture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Creamy base that binds ingredients and adds rich flavor. Select low-sodium soup for better seasoning control.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that provides golden-brown crust and extra richness. Cheddar or blend cheese recommended for best results.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Non-Stick Spray: Ensures easy casserole removal and prevents sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps control moisture and prevent excessive browning during baking.

Instructions for Ground Beef and Potato Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let it heat while you prepare the delicious ingredients.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• No pink remains
• Meat is evenly browned
• Excess fat is drained

Set cooked beef aside in a separate bowl.

Step 3: Slice Potato Layers

• Wash thoroughly
• Peel if desired
• Use a sharp knife or mandoline
• Cut into thin, uniform slices (about 1/8 inch thick)

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Blend until smooth and silky.

Step 5: Build the Casserole Layers

• Spray with non-stick cooking spray
• Spread a layer of potato slices
• Add a portion of cooked ground beef
• Pour some creamy sauce
• Sprinkle shredded cheese

Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 1 hour
• Remove foil
• Bake additional 30 minutes
• Check potatoes for tenderness

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Scoop onto plates and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips to Perfect Ground Beef and Potato Bake

• Select Quality Beef: Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 fat content for maximum flavor without excessive grease, ensuring a rich and satisfying casserole.
• Slice Potatoes Consistently: Use a sharp mandoline or careful knife skills to cut potato slices uniformly, promoting even cooking and a professional-looking dish.
• Layer Strategically: Create alternating layers of potatoes and beef to distribute ingredients evenly, guaranteeing each bite contains a perfect balance of flavors.
• Season Generously: Don't shy away from adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the soup mixture, boosting the overall depth and complexity of the casserole.
• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Monitor the dish during the final 30 minutes without foil to prevent over-browning, aiming for a golden-brown cheese topping that's crispy but not burnt.

Storage and Reheating for Potato Bake

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through completely.
• Microwave Option: Transfer single servings to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What to Serve with Ground Beef and Potato Bake

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Cut through the richness of the beef and potato bake with a light, tangy salad mixed with fresh greens, cucumber slices, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Enhance the meaty flavors by serving a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which perfectly balances the hearty casserole.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top to bring a bright, fresh note that lifts the entire dish and adds a pop of color and subtle herbal flavor.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Include a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious soup mixture and provide an extra textural element to the meal.

Recipe Twists for Ground Beef and Potato Bake

• Southwestern Spice Burst: Replace cream of mushroom soup with salsa, add diced green chilies, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Veggie Power: Swap ground beef with black beans or lentils, incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of milk for a plant-based alternative.
• Herb Garden Edition: Mix fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the soup base, sprinkle dried herbs between layers, and top with grated parmesan for an aromatic herbal transformation.
• Lean Mediterranean Style: Use ground turkey instead of beef, add chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and incorporate dried oregano for a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired casserole.

Ground Beef and Potato Bake FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests shredded cheese, you can easily swap in cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers between layers for more nutrition.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the fridge.

• What side dishes work best with this casserole?

A fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a light coleslaw complement this hearty dish perfectly. These sides help balance the richness of the beef and potato bake.

Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Bake Overview

• This ground beef and potato bake delivers ultimate comfort with its rich, layered flavors and warm, filling qualities that hug your taste buds like a cozy blanket.
• The simple layering method and one-dish approach makes this recipe perfect for busy home cooks, requiring minimal prep and cleanup while producing a restaurant-quality meal.
• Creamy soup mixture, tender potatoes, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering combination of soft and crispy textures that will satisfy everyone from kids to adults.
• Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples, this casserole provides a nutritious and economical dinner option that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on taste.

Hearty Ground Beef And Potato Bake Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory “ground beef and potato bake” combines rustic comfort with rich, satisfying flavors from simple, wholesome ingredients. Home cooks discover a classic meal that warms hearts and delights taste buds with its perfectly layered, cheesy goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds ground beef, browned

Starch and Vegetables:

• 5 small potatoes

Dairy and Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Colby jack or cheddar)
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 ½ cups milk

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
2. Place ground beef in a skillet and cook thoroughly, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and set meat aside.
3. Carefully slice potatoes into thin, uniform rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to ensure even cooking.
4. Create a creamy sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup with milk, incorporating salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray, establishing a foundation for layering.
6. Construct the casserole by alternating layers: spread potato slices as the base, distribute cooked ground beef evenly, pour soup mixture generously, and sprinkle shredded cheese across each layer.
7. Seal the baking dish with aluminum foil, protecting the casserole’s moisture during initial cooking.
8. Bake covered for 1 hour, allowing potatoes to soften and flavors to meld together.
9. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until potatoes turn golden and crisp at the edges.
10. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing ingredients to settle and making serving easier.
11. Slice and serve the bubbling, aromatic dish while still warm, enjoying the rich combination of beef, potatoes, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly using a mandoline for consistent cooking and professional-looking layers.
• Browning ground beef completely prevents raw meat and enhances overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Cover casserole with foil during initial baking to retain moisture and prevent cheese from burning prematurely.
• Let casserole rest 10 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Choose full-fat milk and cream of mushroom soup for richer, more indulgent taste and creamy texture.
• Adjust salt and pepper seasonings based on personal preference, tasting soup mixture before final assembly.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg