When comfort food calls, nothing answers quite like a hearty meat and potato casserole. This classic dish combines tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese into a satisfying one-dish meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday family dinners, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into a cozy, filling meal that feeds both body and soul. The best part? It’s practically foolproof and creates minimal dishes to wash.
Why You’ll Love This
- Uses budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have
- Can be assembled ahead and baked when needed
- Leftovers taste even better the next day
- Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
- One-dish meal means easy cleanup

Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish
- Brown ground beef with onions and garlic until meat is cooked through
- Layer half the potato slices in the baking dish
- Spread meat mixture over potatoes
- Layer remaining potatoes on top
- Whisk together soup and milk, pour over casserole
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes
- Remove foil, add cheese, and bake 10 minutes more until bubbly
Tips & Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
- Add frozen vegetables for extra nutrition
- Use different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Colby
- Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking
- Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and crusty bread. For extra indulgence, top individual portions with a dollop of sour cream and chopped fresh parsley. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans also pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving for easier portioning
FAQs
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
- Can I use frozen hash browns? Yes, thawed hash browns work great as a time-saving alternative.
- Why is my casserole watery? Make sure to drain the meat mixture well and don’t overlap potato slices too much.
- Can I make this in advance? Absolutely! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish
- Brown ground beef with onions and garlic until meat is cooked through
- Layer half the potato slices in the baking dish
- Spread meat mixture over potatoes
- Layer remaining potatoes on top
- Whisk together soup and milk, pour over casserole
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes
- Remove foil, add cheese, and bake 10 minutes more until bubbly
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving for easier portioning







