Name: Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 500g (1 lb) ground beef; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Get ready to fall in love with a new weeknight dinner hero: the Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe. Imagine layers of tender potatoes, savory seasoned beef, and gooey cheddar cheese coming together under a golden crust. This hearty dish is pure comfort food, perfect for feeding a hungry family or wowing your friends at potlucks. With its simple ingredients and deeply satisfying flavors, it’s the sort of recipe you’ll turn to again and again when you crave an easy meal that’s big on taste.

Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe is in its combination of essential, every day ingredients that work together to create something extraordinarily delicious. Each component brings something special—whether it’s richness, creaminess, crunch, or pure comfort—to every bite.

Olive oil: Kickstarts the recipe by gently softening the onion and garlic for a gorgeous base of flavor.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth; be sure to chop it finely for even cooking in the casserole.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Offers a subtle aromatic punch, making the whole dish extra inviting.
Ground beef (500g/1 lb): The protein powerhouse of the meal; make sure it’s browned well for the best flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the individual tastes in the casserole.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Lends earthiness and a beautiful warming color to the beef.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of herbiness that brightens each layer.
Potatoes (4 medium, peeled and thinly sliced): The comforting starch that makes every bite cozy and satisfying.
Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tang and a luscious texture to the creamy sauce.
Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the sour cream mixture so it seeps beautifully into every layer.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Just a touch for a mellow, savory zing.
Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded, divided): The melty magic that ties the whole casserole together.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A fresh flourish for garnish and a splash of green at the finish line.

How to Make Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later.

Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Add your chopped onion and minced garlic; cook for about 3–4 minutes until both are soft, fragrant, and just starting to turn golden. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Let it brown nicely (no gray beef here!), and once it’s cooked through, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well so every bit of beef is coated in flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is silky smooth. This makes the casserole super moist and rich, with a gentle tang that balances out the cheesy goodness later on.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Now comes the fun part: the layering! Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then drizzle on half of the sour cream mixture. Sprinkle on half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining potatoes, beef, more creamy sauce, and—finally—the rest of the shredded cheese. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot; everything will melt together wonderfully as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 minutes to allow those potatoes to steam and soften. After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for the hot steam!), and bake uncovered another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and begging to be eaten. The potatoes should be beautifully tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Let Rest and Garnish

Patience pays off here. Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before slicing in. This gives the layers a chance to set up a bit, so every square is picture-perfect. Scatter fresh parsley over the top, if you like, for a pretty touch that adds color and a hint of freshness to every serving.

How to Serve Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is my go-to garnish, but you can also try thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika if you want to add some flair to your Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe. Each adds a pop of color, and the fresh herbs bring a lightness to the rich, creamy casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole is definitely a main event, but it loves company. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or simple steamed green beans for color and crunch. Warm dinner rolls or a slice of crusty bread are delicious for soaking up every last bit of that cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for cozy dinner parties, or layer the Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe in a cast-iron skillet for rustic charm. Garnish with microgreens or roasted cherry tomatoes to really stun your guests, or bring the whole dish to the table for a casual, family-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe is just as dreamy the next day. Allow any leftovers to cool, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making your next meal worry-free and extra tasty.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance or save extra portions for emergencies, this casserole freezes beautifully. Slice into serving portions, wrap in foil or airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. I recommend thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes until heated through. Microwave reheating works well for single servings—just cover and use 50% power so the cheese stays gooey and doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in the Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can swap in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Gouda, or your favorite cheese blend for fun flavor twists. Mixing cheeses can make the top extra melty and delicious.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

If you love rustic textures and extra nutrients, leave the skins on your potatoes. Just make sure to wash and scrub them well before slicing. Peeled potatoes will give a softer, even bite, so it’s totally up to your preference.

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! Assemble the entire Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you make sure to use gluten-free Dijon mustard. Always double-check any packaged ingredients just to be safe.

What’s the best way to slice potatoes for this recipe?

Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to get even, thin slices—about 1/8-inch thick. This ensures they cook through evenly and soak up all the delicious sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate cozy dinner, the Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe might just be your new favorite comfort meal. It’s hearty, simple, and totally satisfying, destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. I hope you’ll try it soon and share it with family and friends—it’s too good to keep to yourself!

Beef Potato Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Beef Potato Cheese Casserole. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sour cream, and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection, make this a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
500g (1 lb) ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Casserole:

4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Saute Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add ground beef, cook until browned, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
Prepare Sour Cream Mixture: Mix sour cream, milk, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Layer Casserole: Layer potatoes, beef, sour cream mixture, and cheese in the baking dish. Repeat layers.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden.
Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.