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Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole

A simple and hearty casserole that combines layers of thinly sliced potatoes with a savory beef filling and a creamy, cheesy topping.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Filling
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for deeper flavor)
For the Potatoes and Cheese Layers
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup whole milk or 2% milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken topping slightly)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Slice potatoes thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife for even cooking.
Cooking the Beef Filling
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced. The mixture should be moist but not soupy.
Making the Cheese-Milk Mixture
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and flour until smooth. This helps the top layer thicken slightly. Reserve 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar for the topping and stir the rest into the milk mixture.
Layering the Casserole
  1. Arrange half of the potato slices in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared dish, overlapping slightly.
  2. Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
  3. Add a second layer of potato slices to cover the beef, pressing gently to compact.
Baking
  1. Pour the milk and cheese mixture evenly over the top layer. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup cheddar over the top.
  2. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10 to 20 minutes more until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
Resting and Serving
  1. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Notes

Use thin, even potato slices for uniform cooking. For extra creaminess, stir 1/2 cup sour cream into the cheese-milk mixture. Make it vegetarian: swap beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based crumble and use vegetable broth.