Some dinners are just about getting something on the table, but others become moments you want to linger over. This ground beef and potato dinner casserole somehow lands in that second category, even on the busiest of evenings. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that makes you pause, even if just for a second, to breathe it in.
I remember the first time I made this casserole—it was one of those days when the clock seemed to be racing ahead of me. The potatoes took a bit longer to slice than I thought, and I got a little distracted by a phone call about something that could have waited. But as the layers stacked up, the kitchen started to feel like a small haven. The smell of the browned ground beef mingling with garlic and thyme, the softened onions gently sizzling in olive oil, it all came together like a quiet promise that things would be okay. When it finally came out of the oven, golden and bubbling, it felt like a small victory worth savoring.
It’s not fancy, and it doesn’t pretend to be. And that’s part of why it’s so comforting.
- Hearty and filling without being complicated—great for a weeknight when you want real food fast.
- The combination of tender potatoes and melted cheese makes every bite satisfying, though it’s definitely not the lightest dish in your repertoire.
- Layering flavors means you get meat, veggies, and creamy tang all in one dish—no extra sides required, unless you want them.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just pure, honest comfort.
Even if you’re not the most organized cook (I sometimes forget the timer), this casserole is forgiving. It’s easy to tweak with what you have on hand, and leftovers reheat well for lunches the next day.
PrintGround Beef and Potato Dinner Casserole
A hearty and comforting ground beef and potato casserole perfect for a satisfying dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream and beef broth until smooth.
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish.
Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
Drizzle half of the sour cream and beef broth mixture over the beef layer.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Repeat layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef mixture, sour cream mixture, and cheddar cheese.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Don’t worry about special equipment here—just a good skillet and a casserole dish is all you need. I usually serve this with a simple green salad to balance the richness, or sometimes some roasted veggies that happened to be in the fridge. I haven’t tested it with different cheeses, but swapping cheddar for something sharper could be interesting if you’re feeling adventurous. Sometimes I add a pinch more paprika for a little extra warmth, but honestly, the base recipe stands strong on its own.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh the next day. Just keep it covered in the fridge.
Q: Is it freezer-friendly? A: It freezes okay, but the potatoes might get a bit softer after thawing.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead? A: You can, but the flavor and richness will change a bit—still tasty though.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? A: Oven or microwave works fine; just watch the cheese so it doesn’t dry out.
Next time you want something that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this casserole might just be the answer. Take your time with it—or don’t—and enjoy the comforting layers every bite brings.