Ground Beef & Potato Layered Casserole
If there’s one dish that captures the heart of home-cooked comfort, it’s a perfectly baked casserole. There’s something magical about layers of tender potatoes, well-seasoned ground beef, and bubbling cheddar cheese coming together in one warm, rustic tray. And if you’ve been searching for a hearty, satisfying recipe that fills the house with incredible aromas — and fills everyone’s plates with happiness — this Ground Beef & Potato Layered Casserole will become your new go-to dinner.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or putting together an easy dish for potlucks or gatherings, this casserole checks all the boxes:
✓ Simple ingredients
✓ Minimal prep
✓ Incredible flavor
✓ Budget-friendly
✓ Perfect for leftovers
Let’s dive into the full guide, from ingredients to serving ideas, plus extra tips to make your casserole turn out perfectly every time.
Why This Casserole Works So Well
This dish is the very definition of comfort food. It brings together three things people naturally love:
1. Tender, Thin-Sliced Potatoes
Yukon gold potatoes offer a buttery, naturally creamy texture that holds up beautifully when layered and baked. The thin ⅛-inch slices allow them to soften quickly and bake evenly while absorbing flavors from the seasoned meat and cream.
2. Savory, Well-Seasoned Ground Beef
Lean ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and a pinch of herbs turns into a deeply flavorful mixture that fills every bite with warmth and richness.
3. Bubbling, Melty Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar ties everything together, melting into the potatoes and beef to create layered, cheesy bliss. The top becomes golden and crisp, giving every serving that irresistible casserole finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients exactly as the recipe requires:
- 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, sliced ⅛-inch thick
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Ground Beef & Potato Layered Casserole
Here is the recipe unchanged, just presented clearly for your readers.
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens and starts to smell sweet. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Once cooked, drain the excess grease and stir in the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it all mingle for another couple of minutes, then remove from heat.
2. Prep the Potatoes
Peel and slice your potatoes into thin, even rounds. Boil them in salted water for about 5–6 minutes — just enough to soften them slightly — then drain and set them aside to cool. They’ll finish cooking in the oven.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter up a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer one-third of the potatoes at the bottom, followed by half the beef mixture, and a handful of shredded cheddar. Repeat the layers, then top it off with the last layer of potatoes — neat and cozy, like a potato quilt.
4. Add the Sauce & Cheese
Pour the milk or cream evenly over the top so it soaks through the layers. Add little dots of butter here and there (this helps everything turn golden and rich), then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
5. Bake
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly — that’s when you’ll know it’s ready.
6. Garnish & Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle a touch of dried parsley for color and let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the layers set, so when you slice in, you get those beautiful, clean layers of potato, beef, and melted cheese.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
1. Use a mandoline if possible
Even slices = even cooking. A mandoline makes slicing super quick and precise.
2. Don’t skip pre-boiling the potatoes
It prevents undercooked layers after baking.
3. Let it rest before cutting
Like lasagna, the structure tightens as it cools slightly — giving you clean, attractive layers.
4. Try smoked paprika
It adds a subtle smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with beef.
Easy Variations You Can Try
Cheesy Upgrade
Add mozzarella or Monterey Jack between layers for extra creaminess.
Vegetable Boost
Layer in thin slices of mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Creamier Texture
Use heavy cream instead of milk to create a richer sauce base.
What to Serve with This Casserole
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread
- Roasted carrots
- A simple cucumber & dill yogurt salad
If serving at a gathering, add a fresh veggie platter or coleslaw on the side.
Storage & Leftovers
This casserole stores exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Fridge: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (wrap tightly)
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions
The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef & Potato Layered Casserole is one of those timeless, comforting dishes that make any meal feel like home. With its creamy layers, savory beef, and cheesy golden top, it delivers everything you could want in a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner.
