Hearty Cheesy Beef And Potato Bake Recipe: Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy beef and potato bake, a hearty dish that elevates simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Warm, inviting aromas will fill your kitchen as layers of tender potatoes mingle with seasoned ground beef.

Rich, melted cheese creates a golden blanket that promises indulgence in every single bite.

Robust flavors blend seamlessly, offering a satisfying meal that speaks to traditional home cooking with a modern twist.

Families gather around this delectable creation, anticipating the first forkful of creamy, savory goodness.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you elevate familiar ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that combines classic comfort and irresistible taste.

Tips for the Creamiest and Cheesiest Layers

• Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into even, thin slices for consistent cooking and a more attractive presentation.
• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove all excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
• Layer Strategically: Create tight, compact layers to help potatoes cook evenly and absorb the cheesy soup mixture completely.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Select a sharp cheddar that melts beautifully and adds rich, tangy depth to the overall dish.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking, which helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier.

Best Way to Store and Rewarm the Bake

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the seal is tight to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to restore crispy cheese topping.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Satisfying Sides to Serve With It

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, hearty flavors of the cheesy beef and potato bake with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, which can stand up to the meaty, cheesy dish.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the heaviness of the casserole with a light, tangy salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber to provide a refreshing contrast.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Side: Enhance the meal with roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus, which will add nutrients and a caramelized flavor that harmonizes with the main dish.
• Cool Down with Beer: Enjoy a cold, crisp beer such as a lager or pale ale to cut through the richness of the cheese and beef, creating a satisfying and balanced dining experience.

Fun Spins on the Beef and Potato Combo

• Spicy Southwestern Beef Potato Casserole: Replace paprika with chili powder and add diced green chilies to the beef mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Lamb and Potato Bake: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, incorporate oregano and mint into the seasoning. Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and sprinkle with chopped kalamata olives before serving.
• Vegetarian Loaded Potato Casserole: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted mixed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Keep the cheese and soup base for a hearty meatless option that still delivers rich flavor.
• Bacon and Ranch Potato Bake: Crumble crispy bacon into the beef layer and mix ranch seasoning into the condensed soup. Use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack cheese for extra creaminess and top with sliced green onions.

Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake Everyone’s Talking About

• Create Layered Comfort: This hearty casserole builds incredible flavor through strategic layering of ground beef, potatoes, and melty cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying one-dish meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With straightforward ingredients and an easy assembly process, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dinner that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor in just under two hours.
• Customize Your Craving: The flexible recipe allows home cooks to swap cheeses, add extra seasonings, or include vegetables, making it perfect for adapting to family preferences while maintaining its core comforting essence.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Utilizing affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and condensed soup, this dish provides a filling meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank, ideal for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Everything That Goes Into This Hearty Dinner

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base with rich flavor, choose lean cut for healthier option.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture, fresh and crisp is best.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melty and sharp cheese that provides creamy texture and golden topping, medium or sharp variety recommended.
• Milk: Helps create smooth sauce and adds richness to the casserole.
• Condensed Soup: Creamy base that binds ingredients and adds flavor complexity.

• Potato Slices: Starchy component that provides hearty base and absorbs flavors, waxy potatoes work well.
• Salt: Enhances overall dish seasoning.
• Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic background flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and slight reddish color to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for greasing baking dish and preventing sticking.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herb note.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How to Assemble and Bake This Cheesy Wonder

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2: Cook Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with chopped onion until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Season Beef Mixture

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Step 4: Create First Layer

Spread half of the seasoned beef evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Add Potato and Cheese Layer

Layer potato slices over the beef. Sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top.

Step 6: Repeat Layering

Repeat the layers with remaining beef and potato slices.

Step 7: Prepare Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together condensed soup and milk until smooth. Pour sauce evenly over potato layers, ensuring it seeps into the casserole.

Step 8: Initial Baking

Cover baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour.

Step 9: Final Cheese Topping

Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and potatoes are tender.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let casserole stand for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Cheesy Beef And Potato Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake delivers pure comfort from kitchen to table, blending savory ground beef with creamy potatoes and melted cheese. Satisfying flavors promise a delightful meal that welcomes hungry diners with warmth and classic home-style goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef

Produce and Herbs:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup milk

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish with olive oil, ensuring even coverage.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and cook ground beef with diced onions, stirring frequently until the meat turns completely brown and onions become translucent.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef mixture and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, mixing thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
4. Create the first layer in the baking dish by spreading half of the seasoned beef mixture across the bottom, creating an uniform base.
5. Arrange the first layer of potato slices directly over the beef, ensuring complete coverage of the meat layer.
6. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the potato layer, allowing for consistent cheese distribution.
7. Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining beef mixture on top of the cheese, followed by the second layer of potato slices.
8. Whisk condensed soup and milk in a separate bowl until completely smooth and well-integrated.
9. Carefully pour the soup and milk mixture over the layered potatoes, making sure the liquid penetrates all layers of the casserole.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender.
11. Remove foil, top with remaining cheese, and continue baking uncovered for 20-30 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and enhance flavor.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a vibrant color and fresh herb accent.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by browning ground beef thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains and onions turn soft for a rich, caramelized base.
• Layer ingredients strategically to create perfect texture and even distribution of cheese, beef, and potatoes throughout the casserole.
• Drain excess fat after cooking beef to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a cleaner, more appetizing presentation.
• Whisk condensed soup and milk carefully to create a smooth, creamy sauce that penetrates all layers of the bake.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow ingredients to set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant color contrast and a subtle fresh herb accent that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg