Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one dish that combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, sweet corn, and creamy cheese sauce. This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home because it’s filling, flavorful, and straightforward to prepare. The combination of creamy condensed soup, milk, and melted butter creates a luscious base that ties the layers of beef, vegetables, and potatoes together, while cheddar cheese adds a rich, savory finish.
This casserole is a modern take on a classic comfort food, offering both heartiness and simplicity. Each bite delivers tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and lightly sweet vegetables under a blanket of melted cheese. It’s versatile, satisfying, and ideal for prepping ahead or serving to a crowd.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Ingredients
Potatoes
4 cups thinly sliced and peeled potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes)
Ground Beef & Vegetables
Ground beef: 1 pound (450 g)
Frozen corn: 10 ounces (1 package)
Onion: 1 tablespoon chopped (or 1 medium yellow onion, diced)
Green bell pepper: 1 medium, diced
Soup Mixture
Condensed cream of celery soup: 1 can (10¾ ounces), undiluted
Milk (2%): 1/3 cup
Seasonings
Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Garlic powder: ¼ teaspoon
Black pepper: 1/8 teaspoon
Cheese
Cheddar cheese, shredded: 1 cup, divided
Garnish (Optional)
Fresh parsley, minced: 1–2 tablespoons
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion and bell pepper until beef is browned and vegetables are softened. Drain excess fat.
Stir in frozen corn, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine condensed cream of celery soup, milk, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
Spread half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Layer half of the cooked beef and vegetable mixture over the potatoes.
Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef layer and sprinkle with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and soup. Top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with minced parsley if desired.
Tips
Slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
Use thawed frozen corn or fresh corn for best texture.
Press down gently on layers to compact them slightly for a cohesive bake.
Avoid overcooking the beef in the skillet to retain moisture.
Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy casserole.
Stir soup mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps.
Covering the casserole during the first stage prevents drying out.
Check tenderness of potatoes with a fork before removing from oven.
Let the casserole rest for easier slicing and serving.
Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add sliced mushrooms for earthy depth.
Mix in cooked rice or quinoa for extra bulk.
Use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor base.
Add paprika or chili powder for a mild kick.
Layer in sautéed spinach or kale for extra greens.
Top with Parmesan cheese along with cheddar for sharper taste.
Include cooked bacon crumbles between layers for smoky richness.
Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free soup.
Substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutrient-rich twist.
Q&A
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Do the potatoes need to be par-cooked?
No, thinly sliced raw potatoes bake fully with the covered casserole.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen corn?
Yes, fresh or thawed frozen corn works well.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a combination with cheddar is delicious.
Is this suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it scales well in a larger dish for bigger gatherings.
Can I make it lower in fat?
Use lean ground beef and low-fat milk or half & half.
Can I add herbs for extra flavor?
Yes, thyme, rosemary, or parsley work beautifully.
What can I serve with it?
A side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread complements it well.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
(Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 360
Protein: 21 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sodium: Moderate
Conclusion
Hearty Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting, versatile meal that combines simple ingredients into a satisfying dish for any time of day. With tender potatoes, savory beef, sweet corn, and creamy cheese, this casserole is both filling and flavorful. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or meal prep for the week. The combination of textures, colors, and Mediterranean-inspired flavors makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.