Hearty layers of beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection—this cozy casserole is a weeknight staple in disguise.
📋 Recipe Card
Yield Prep Time Cook Time Total Time
6–8 servings 20 min 1 hr 15 min 1 hr 35 min
Dietary Tags: Comfort Food, Kid-Friendly, Crowd-Pleaser
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
▢ 1 lb ground beef – crumbled
▢ 1 yellow onion – diced
▢ 3–4 lbs potatoes – peeled & sliced ¼” thick
▢ 8 oz or more shredded cheddar cheese
▢ 1 can cheddar cheese soup
▢ 12 oz evaporated milk
▢ ½ cup milk
▢ 1 tsp salt
▢ ½ tsp black pepper
▢ Nonstick cooking spray
🔪 Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the Meat Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned.
Drain excess fat and set aside.
Slice the Potatoes
Peel and slice the potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.
Thinner slices will cook faster and more evenly.
Layer the Casserole
Arrange a layer of potatoes on the bottom of the baking dish.
Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Add ⅓ of the beef mixture and spread evenly.
Sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded cheddar over the meat.
Repeat the layers twice more, ending with cheese on top.
Mix & Pour Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, and regular milk until smooth.
Pour the mixture evenly over the layered casserole.
Bake Covered
Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 1 hour.
Uncover & Finish
Remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Check doneness by piercing potatoes with a fork—add more time if needed for thicker slices.
Cool Slightly & Serve
Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
📝 Additional Notes
Potato Tip: Use Russet or Yukon Golds for the best texture.
Cheese It Up: Add more cheese between layers or use a blend (cheddar + mozzarella) for extra gooeyness.
Meat Variations: Try ground turkey, sausage, or a mix for flavor variations.
✨ Introduction
This cheesy beef and potato casserole is a vintage-inspired, pantry-friendly dinner that never disappoints. Think of it as scalloped potatoes meets cheeseburger—all layered up in a bubbling, comforting bake. Perfect for cold nights, picky eaters, or potlucks that demand seconds (and thirds).
📸 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Beef & Onion Base
Brown your ground beef with diced onion until fully cooked. Season lightly—cheese adds salt later.
2. Perfect Potato Slices
Uniform, thin potato slices ensure even baking. A mandoline works great for speed and precision.
3. Layer It Right
Start with potatoes, then beef, then cheese—repeat three times. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic layering works fine.
4. Sauce Pour
Whisk the soup and milk until silky, then pour it evenly over the entire dish. It will soak into every layer while baking.
5. Bake Covered, Then Golden
Foil traps in moisture to soften potatoes. Removing it lets the cheese melt into a crispy, crave-worthy top layer.
🧂 Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
Ingredient Substitution Notes
Ground beef Ground turkey or chicken Lower fat but equally tasty
Cheddar cheese Pepper jack, mozzarella, Colby For different flavor profiles
Cheddar soup Homemade roux + cheese Great for from-scratch option
Evaporated milk Half-and-half or heavy cream Adjust consistency accordingly
🍽 Variations & Serving Suggestions
🔁 Flavor Ideas
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack.
BBQ Twist: Stir ¼ cup BBQ sauce into beef for a smoky note.
Veggie Add-In: Layer in cooked mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
🍽 Serve With
Green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Garlic toast or dinner rolls
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Storage Method Duration Notes
Refrigerate Up to 4 days Cover with foil or store in airtight container
Freeze Up to 2 months Wrap tightly, thaw before baking
Reheat 350°F oven or microwave Add splash of milk if dry
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble in the morning, refrigerate, and bake just before dinner!
🔍 Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)
Calories: ~480 | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 38g | Fat: 28g
Contains dairy and gluten
❓ FAQs
Can I slice potatoes in advance?
Yes—store sliced potatoes in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Pat dry before layering.
Is cheddar soup necessary?
Not strictly—use a homemade béchamel with melted cheddar as a replacement.
What if my potatoes aren’t soft after 1 hour?
Add 15–20 minutes more, especially if sliced thicker. Always test with a fork.
💬 Personal Note
This recipe came from a neighbor’s church potluck—and it stole the show. Now it’s a go-to in my kitchen for busy nights when only something cheesy and hearty will do. You don’t need anything fancy, just basic ingredients and a warm oven. The smell alone will bring everyone to the table.
📣 Call to Action
Tried this comforting Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole? Leave a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and share your twist—extra cheese? Hot sauce drizzle? Let’s swap ideas in the comments!
Tag @YourKitchenHandle on social with your bubbling skillet—we love to see your dinner wins!