There’s something magical about a dish that brings everyone to the table without a fuss. I discovered this recipe one hectic Tuesday when I had a pound of ground beef thawed, a bag of potatoes, and zero inspiration. What came out of the oven was so much more than the sum of its parts—a cozy, hearty casserole that’s become our go-to comfort meal. It’s the kind of dinner that fills your home with the scent of savory beef and golden potatoes, promising a satisfying meal with minimal effort. If you’re looking for another effortless dinner option, you should try our slow cooker peanut chicken with its nutty Thai flavors.
Over time, I’ve tweaked and refined this Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Casserole – Family Favorite, and it’s earned its spot in our regular rotation. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, this dish delivers every time. I love how versatile it is—you can easily adapt it based on what’s in your pantry or fridge. From experience, I can tell you that even the pickiest eaters in my house clean their plates when this is on the menu.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
What You’ll Need
When I’m shopping for this recipe, I always look for russet potatoes—they hold their shape well and get that perfect crisp edge. For the ground beef, I lean toward 85/15 for a good balance of flavor without too much grease. If you’re on a budget, you can swap in ground turkey or even lentils, though the taste will shift slightly. One thing to note: fresh herbs like parsley make a big difference, but dried work in a pinch if that’s what you have.
- A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients evenly
- A 9×13 inch baking dish to give everything space to cook through
- A skillet for browning the beef and building flavor
- Basic measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil to keep the top from over-browning
INGREDIENTS
I remember one time I rushed through prepping and forgot to dice the onions small enough—let’s just say we had some unexpected crunch! Now, I take a minute to chop everything uniformly so each bite is just right. The aroma of garlic sizzling with beef is one of my favorite kitchen smells, and it sets the stage for this cozy meal.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
PREPARATION
If you’re new to casseroles, don’t sweat it—this one is forgiving. The key is to brown the beef properly so it adds depth to the dish. I’ve found that taking an extra minute to get a good sear makes all the difference. And if the cheese on top isn’t bubbly and lightly golden, give it another minute under the broiler. For another hands-off cooking method that delivers amazing flavor, check out our creamy Cajun chicken pasta made in the crock pot.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture, diced potatoes, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, top with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 380 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Make-Ahead Tips
One of the reasons I rely on this ground beef and potato casserole is how well it handles advance prep. You can assemble everything up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if it’s going into the oven cold. I’ve even frozen assembled portions for up to three months—thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own, but I often pair it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to round out the meal. For a fun twist, try serving it with a dollop of extra sour cream or a side of pickles for a bit of tang. Around here, we love scooping it straight from the baking dish while it’s still steaming—it’s the ultimate comfort food experience. If you’re craving something sweet after this savory meal, you’ll adore our delicious apple fritter bread for dessert.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen diced potatoes to save time. Just thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Casserole – Family Favorite. The texture might be slightly softer, but it still turns out delicious.
Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Casserole – Family Favorite Recipe
What You’ll Need
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Casserole – Family Favorite Recipe!
Nutrition Information
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. I find the oven gives you back that nice crispy top.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version, and double-check your Worcestershire sauce. The dish comes out just as tasty and comforting.
Conclusion
This Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Casserole – Family Favorite has saved many weeknights in my home, and I hope it becomes a staple in yours too. It’s one of those easy casserole recipes that feels like a hug in a baking dish—simple, satisfying, and always a hit. Give it a try this week and see why it’s a ground beef recipe we come back to again and again.