Irresistible Ground Beef & Potato Casserole in 1 Hour

This Ground Beef & Potato Casserole is the definition of cozy comfort food — layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese baked to bubbly perfection. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and ready in just about an hour!

🕒 Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

🍴 Dietary Info

✅ Family-Friendly ✅ High-Protein ❌ Gluten-Free (unless thickener adjusted)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk
½ cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat until browned.
Drain excess fat, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Set aside.

3. Make the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in milk (and cream if using), whisking constantly until thickened.
Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese until smooth. Season to taste.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Layer half the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish.
Spread half the cooked beef over the potatoes.
Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly on top.
Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce.
Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden crust.

5. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

🌿 Serving Ideas

Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or buttered corn for a complete meal.

💡 Pro Tips

Slice potatoes thinly and evenly for quicker, consistent cooking.
For a smoky twist, add crumbled bacon or use smoked cheddar.
Substitute ground turkey or sausage for variety.
To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

❄️ Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350 °F for 15 minutes or microwave individual servings.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Author
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Rabia

Chef & Food Blogger at menuatthetable.com

Rabia has been a chef in Dubai for over eight years and loves exploring different types of food. Through the blog Menu at the Table, Rabia shares the best places to eat in Dubai for every cuisine. Whether you want street food or a fancy restaurant, Rabia helps you find the perfect spot to enjoy delicious meals.