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Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole – Easy, Cheesy & Comforting Recipe

Discover the best Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole — creamy, cheesy, and family-approved comfort food. Perfect for weeknights, freezer meals, or cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Components

  • 1 pound ground beef (80–85% lean for flavor and moisture)
  • 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced (½-inch cubes)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended for creaminess)

Liquids & Oils

  • ½ cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • No sour cream? Swap in softened cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.No cheddar? Try Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder flavor.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
  • Prep the Potatoes & Aromatics Dice the peeled potatoes evenly (½-inch cubes). Chop the onion and mince the garlic — this ensures everything cooks evenly and releases maximum flavor.
  • Sauté the Aromatics In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  • Brown the Beef Add ground beef to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Cook until fully browned, breaking up clumps. Let the spices toast slightly for depth.
  • Deglaze & Simmer Pour in beef broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for about 4 minutes to blend flavors.
  • Combine & Mix In a large bowl, combine the beef mixture with diced potatoes. Add sour cream and half the cheese. Stir until the potatoes are well coated.
  • Assemble & Bake Transfer the mixture into your baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly on top.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
  • Rest & Serve Let it rest 10 minutes before serving — this helps it set and slice neatly.