Ground Beef and Potato Layered Casserole: Easy, Comforting, Homemade

Cooking has always been my way of bringing people together, especially on busy nights when comfort matters most. Growing up, simple casseroles were the heart of our family table, and this ground beef and potato layered casserole brings that same warmth to yours. It’s an easy, old fashioned dish made with pantry staples, rich flavor, and no shortcuts—just the kind of simple ground beef and potatoes recipe I love sharing on Eminent Recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ground beef and potato layered casserole is everything I love about home cooking—simple, comforting, and made to bring people together. Inspired by the kind of meals I grew up with, this recipe fits perfectly into the Eminent Recipes philosophy of practical, family-friendly food that never feels boring. It’s a simple ground beef and potato casserole that uses everyday ingredients yet delivers rich, satisfying flavor in every bite.

What makes this dish special is how easy and flexible it is. You can customize it with different cheeses, seasonings, or even vegetables, making it ideal for picky eaters and busy households. Unlike many casseroles, this hamburger potato casserole without soup relies on real ingredients for a creamy, old fashioned texture. It’s a balanced one-pan meal that works just as well for hectic weeknights as it does for cozy Sunday dinners.

If you enjoy ground beef casserole with potatoes and cheese, you’ll appreciate how this recipe bakes up tender, hearty, and deeply comforting. This ground beef and potato layered casserole is proof that classic recipes never go out of style.

Ingredients for This Recipe

The ingredients in this ground beef and potato layered casserole are simple, familiar, and chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Ground beef forms the hearty base, delivering rich, savory depth that pairs beautifully with tender potatoes. Thinly sliced russet or Yukon gold potatoes bake up soft and flavorful, soaking in the creamy sauce as the casserole cooks. Onion and garlic add warmth and aroma, while cheese brings everything together with a smooth, comforting finish. Milk or cream creates moisture without the need for canned soup, keeping this an old fashioned, homemade dish. Every component works together to make this easy ground beef and potato layered casserole satisfying, flexible, and perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights.

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×13-inch casserole):

For the Casserole:
— 1½ lbs ground beef
— 4–5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
— 1 medium onion, diced
— 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby-Jack)
— 1½ cups milk or heavy cream
— 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
— 2 cloves garlic, minced
— 1 teaspoon salt
— ½ teaspoon black pepper
— 1 teaspoon paprika
— ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Optional Add-ins:
— ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
— Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make This Recipe

Making this ground beef and potato layered casserole is straightforward and perfect for home cooks who want a comforting, oven-baked dinner without complicated steps. Each ingredient plays an important role during the cooking process. The ground beef is browned first to build flavor and prevent excess grease in the casserole. Thinly sliced potatoes are essential, allowing them to cook evenly and absorb the creamy mixture as the dish bakes. Cheese melts between the layers, creating richness, while milk or cream keeps the casserole moist without using canned soup. When assembled correctly, this easy ground beef and potato layered casserole bakes into a tender, flavorful one-pan meal with classic, old fashioned appeal.

🛒 Steps:

— Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
— In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until fully browned; drain excess fat for a lighter ground beef casserole with potatoes.
— Stir garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme into the beef, enhancing the savory flavor of this ground beef and potato layered casserole.
— Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer in the baking dish, forming the base of the casserole.
— Spread half of the seasoned ground beef over the potatoes, then sprinkle with shredded cheese for a classic ground beef casserole with potatoes and cheese.
— Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, ground beef, and cheese to build structure and flavor.
— Pour milk or cream evenly over the layers, allowing the potatoes to cook tender and creamy without soup.
— Dot the top with butter, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 60 minutes.
— Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until bubbly, golden, and fork-tender.

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering this ground beef and potato layered casserole comes down to understanding how each ingredient behaves during baking. Ground beef should always be well-browned and drained to keep the casserole rich but not greasy. Potatoes are the backbone of this dish, and slicing them thin ensures they cook evenly and absorb the creamy liquid. Cheese adds structure and flavor, while milk or cream creates moisture and tenderness without relying on canned soup. When layered correctly, this easy ground beef and potato layered casserole develops a perfectly balanced texture with tender potatoes, savory beef, and a golden, cheesy top that defines an old fashioned ground beef casserole.

💡 Expert Tips:

— Slice potatoes evenly using a mandoline to ensure consistent cooking throughout the ground beef and potato layered casserole.
— Choose russet potatoes for a softer texture or Yukon gold potatoes for a slightly firmer bite in ground beef and potato recipes.
— Always season each layer lightly to build flavor in a simple ground beef casserole with potatoes and cheese.
— For a richer result, use heavy cream instead of milk in this hamburger potato casserole without soup.
— Cover tightly with foil during the first bake to steam the potatoes until tender.
— Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking so the layers set cleanly before serving.

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This ground beef and potato layered casserole is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and rich, comforting flavor, it’s a reliable choice for both busy weeknights and relaxed family dinners. The layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese come together to create a satisfying one-pan meal that feels homemade and hearty every time. Whether you’re looking for an old fashioned ground beef casserole or a dependable dinner everyone will enjoy, this ground beef and potato layered casserole delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity straight from the oven to your table.

Ground Beef and Potato Layered Casserole

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

A cozy, old-fashioned ground beef and potato layered casserole made with tender sliced potatoes, seasoned hamburger, and melty cheese. This simple ground beef and potato casserole is baked to bubbly perfection—no canned soup required—making it a comforting, family-favorite dinner that tastes just like grandma used to make.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9×13-inch casserole):

For the Casserole:

• 1½ lbs ground beef

• 4–5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby-Jack)

• 1½ cups milk or heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons butter, cubed

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom.
Top with half of the cooked ground beef, then sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, beef, and cheese.

Step 3: Add Cream & Bake
Pour milk or cream evenly over the casserole. Dot the top with butter.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes.

 

Step 4: Finish Baking
Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden and bubbly. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• No Soup Version: This is a true hamburger potato casserole without soup, relying on milk and cheese for creaminess.
• Slice Thin: Thin potatoes ensure even cooking.
• Make It Cheesy: Add extra cheese on top during the last 10 minutes for a crispy finish.
• Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner / Casserole
• Method: Oven-Baked / Layered
• Cuisine: American (Classic / Old-Fashioned)