Hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole That Feeds 6 Hungry Souls

Oh my gosh, you have to try this ground beef potato casserole – it’s the ultimate weeknight lifesaver! I swear by this recipe when my kids are bouncing off the walls and I need something hearty on the table fast. There’s something magical about how those crispy roasted potatoes soak up all the savory beef juices, and that melted cheddar? Absolute perfection.

This dish became our family’s go-to after one particularly chaotic soccer practice night when I threw everything together in desperation. Now my husband requests it weekly, and even my picky eater cleans her plate. It’s that perfect balance of comfort food simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor that makes everyone feel at home.

The best part? You probably have most ingredients already. Just toss everything together, pop it in the oven, and boom – dinner’s ready with minimal fuss. Trust me, this casserole tastes way fancier than the effort required!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Potato Casserole

This recipe has become my secret weapon for busy nights, and here’s why it’ll be yours too:

• One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup means more time with your family (or your feet up!)
• Kid-approved cheesy goodness: That golden melted cheddar makes even veggie skeptics come back for seconds
• Perfect texture combo: Crispy roasted potatoes meet juicy beef – every bite is pure comfort
• Pantry-friendly ingredients: No fancy shopping trips needed – just simple, hearty staples

Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times this casserole has saved my dinner plans!

Ingredients for Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need for this cozy, cheesy masterpiece – I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have:

• Potatoes: 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, chopped into bite-sized chunks (no peeling needed!)
• Protein: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)
• Veggies: 1 red bell pepper + 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped + 1 small onion, diced
• Cheese: 1½ cups shredded cheddar (measure packed – I won’t judge if you add extra!)
• Seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tsp smoked paprika + salt & black pepper to taste
• Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil (divided for potatoes and beef)
• Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped (makes it pretty and adds freshness)

See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that work magic together in the oven!

Equipment You’ll Need

This casserole keeps cleanup easy – you’ll just need a few basics:

• A large oven-safe skillet or frying pan (for browning that beef to perfection)
• A trusty 9×13 inch casserole dish (mine’s covered in decades of love stains)
• A sturdy mixing bowl (for tossing those potatoes in oil and spices)
• A sharp knife and cutting board (for quick veggie chopping)

That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed for this cozy meal.

How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Okay, let’s get cooking! This casserole comes together in four simple steps – I promise it’s easier than it looks. Just follow along and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece in no time.

Step 1: Roast the Potatoes

First, crank that oven to 400°F – we want it nice and hot for crispy potatoes! Chop your baby potatoes into bite-sized chunks (about 1-inch pieces work great). Toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet – don’t crowd them! Roast for 25 minutes until they’re golden and crispy on the edges. This step gives them that perfect texture before they meet the beef.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

While the potatoes roast, heat the remaining oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon – I like mine in small crumbles. Once it’s browned (about 5 minutes), toss in the onions and bell peppers. Sauté until the veggies soften (another 5 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Your kitchen will smell amazing right about now!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Time to bring it all together! Grab your casserole dish and layer in the roasted potatoes first. Top with the beef and veggie mixture, spreading everything evenly. Now the fun part – sprinkle half the cheddar cheese over everything. I like to use my fingers to distribute it so every bite gets cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Lower the oven to 375°F and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Then, add the remaining cheese and bake another 5 minutes until it’s melted and bubbly. If you want extra color, broil for the last 2 minutes (but watch it closely!). The casserole is done when the cheese is golden and the edges are slightly crispy. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving – I know it’s hard to wait, but this helps everything set!

Tips for the Best Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Here are my little secrets for casserole perfection every time:

• Broil for the win: That final 2-minute broil gives you those irresistible golden-brown cheese bubbles – just don’t walk away!
• Season as you go: Taste your beef mixture before assembling – I often add an extra pinch of paprika for smoky depth.
• Cheese variations: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, or add Parmesan for a salty kick.
• Potato prep: Cut them evenly so they cook at the same rate – nobody wants half-raw potatoes!

Trust me, these small touches make all the difference between good and “can I have seconds?”

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Don’t stress if you’re missing something – this casserole is crazy flexible! Here are my favorite swaps that still taste amazing:

• Meat lovers: Ground turkey works (add extra paprika), or try crumbled sausage for spicy kick
• Veggie twist: Swap in sweet potatoes for regular – just roast them 5 minutes longer first
• Dairy-free: Use vegan cheese shreds and skip the broiling (they don’t brown as well)
• Extra veggies: Throw in mushrooms or zucchini with the bell peppers – more nutrients, same comfort!

See? Endless ways to make it your own while keeping that cozy casserole magic!

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Potato Casserole

This hearty casserole stands tall on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted green beans for balance. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness right before serving – plus it makes me feel fancy! Crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last cheesy bite.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? No problem! Just let the casserole cool completely before covering tightly – it’ll keep in the fridge for 3 days. For reheating, I always use the oven (350°F for 15-20 minutes) because the microwave turns potatoes soggy. Pro tip: add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating to bring back that just-baked magic!

Ground Beef Potato Casserole FAQs

I get asked about this recipe all the time – here are the answers to the burning questions from my kitchen to yours:

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble it completely but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly (I use foil then plastic wrap for double protection) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed – might need 5-10 extra minutes in the oven.

How can I make it spicier?
Oh, I love this question! Try adding ½ tsp chili powder to the beef mixture, or throw in some diced jalapeños with the bell peppers. My husband swears by mixing in a tablespoon of hot sauce with the cheese layer – gives it a nice kick without overwhelming the kids.

Can I use frozen potatoes?
Honestly? Fresh is best for texture, but in a pinch, thawed frozen hash browns work. Just pat them dry first – nobody wants a watery casserole! You’ll miss some crispiness, but the flavor will still be there.

Why do my potatoes stay hard sometimes?
This usually means they weren’t roasted long enough before assembling. Make sure they’re fork-tender after the initial roasting – if they’re still firm, give them 5 more minutes. Also, chopping them evenly helps everything cook at the same rate.

Can I prep this ahead?
My secret time-saver! Roast the potatoes and cook the beef mixture up to 2 days ahead. Store separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready. The flavors actually get better as they mingle!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I can tell you this hearty casserole packs protein, veggies, and comfort in every bite! Keep in mind these numbers are rough estimates – your actual counts might vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. That said, this dish gives you a balanced meal with:

• Quality protein from the ground beef to keep you full
• Complex carbs from those roasted potatoes for lasting energy
• Colorful veggies that bring vitamins to the party
• Calcium-rich cheese because… well, cheese makes everything better!

For more precise numbers, I’d recommend plugging your exact ingredients into a nutrition calculator – especially if you’re making substitutions. But honestly? Some nights, the only number that matters is how many happy faces are around the table!

Try this recipe tonight and share your results in the comments – I’d love to hear how your family enjoys it!

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