Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Bake

A Hearty Comfort Food Casserole for Easy Family Dinners

If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly, and satisfying dinner recipe, this Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Bake is exactly what you need. Rich layers of tender potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together in one baking dish to create the ultimate comfort food casserole. This dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, family meals, potlucks, and meal prep, making it one of the most versatile and loved baked recipes you can make at home.

This casserole is inspired by classic home cooking traditions, combining simple pantry ingredients with bold, familiar flavors. It’s similar to a cross between a lasagna and a shepherd’s pie, but with potatoes instead of pasta, making it especially filling and crowd-pleasing.

Why This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Is So Popular

This recipe has stood the test of time for a reason. It’s:

Affordable and made with simple ingredients
Easy enough for beginner cooks
Perfect for large families
Customizable for different diets
Ideal for make-ahead meals
A great option for comfort food lovers

Because it uses basic ingredients like potatoes, ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese, it’s also one of the best budget dinner recipes you can make without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Bake

Main Ingredients

1½ to 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and thinly sliced
1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups marinara sauce or tomato sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried oregano or basil

Optional Add-Ins

Bell peppers
Mushrooms
Chili flakes
Heavy cream or béchamel sauce

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large skillet
Saucepan (for potatoes)
9×13 inch baking dish
Aluminum foil
Sharp knife or mandoline

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds (about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick). Thin slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly and become tender during baking.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and parboil them for 5–7 minutes, just until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.

Tip: Parboiling helps prevent undercooked potatoes, which is a common issue in potato casseroles.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Season with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Stir in the marinara or tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom
Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the potatoes
Sprinkle with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese

Repeat the layers once more. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust.

4. Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

What Makes This Recipe a Perfect Weeknight Dinner?

This recipe checks all the boxes for easy dinner ideas:

Minimal prep
One baking dish
Simple cleanup
Kid-friendly flavors
Freezer-friendly

It’s also an excellent choice for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Version

Add ½ cup of heavy cream or béchamel sauce between the layers for extra richness.

2. Cheesy Upgrade

Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for deeper cheese flavor.

3. Healthier Option

Swap ground beef for ground turkey and use low-fat cheese.

4. Spicy Kick

Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 450–500
Protein: 25–30g
Carbohydrates: 30–35g
Fat: 25–30g

This makes it a filling and balanced family dinner recipe.

Is ground beef and potato casserole healthy?

Yes, when made at home, this casserole can be a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and calcium. You can make it healthier by using lean meat and reduced-fat cheese.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. This is one of the best make-ahead dinner recipes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What cheese works best for potato casseroles?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, while cheddar adds sharp flavor. Parmesan enhances browning and taste.

Can I use raw potatoes instead of parboiled?

You can, but parboiling ensures evenly cooked potatoes and better texture.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it’s perfect for freezer meal prep, making it ideal for busy families.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve with a green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your tomato sauce is gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Bake is the definition of classic comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, affordable, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or looking for a cozy dish to serve guests, this casserole delivers every time.