Name: Savory Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup diced onion (about ½ a large onion); ½ cup diced red bell pepper; ½ cup diced green bell pepper; 2 pounds russet potatoes; 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup fried onions

Ready to cozy up with a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner? This Savory Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe layers juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy soups, and melty cheddar for pure comfort in every bite. Trust me, it’s a classic you’ll turn to again and again.

A white baking dish filled with a layered casserole, topped with a golden-brown melted cheese layer mixed with crispy fried onions and sprinkled with green herbs. Beneath the top, layers of creamy mixture with visible slices of white rounds, browned ground meat, and bits of red and green vegetables can be seen. A wooden spoon lifts a portion from the bottom right corner, showing distinct layers of creamy sauce, cheese, ground meat, and sliced vegetables. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, with a glimpse of a striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Savory Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Savory Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Savory Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I make this casserole, it instantly fills the kitchen with that warm, nostalgic smell of home-cooked comfort. It’s a hands-on dish that feels special enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef and potatoes, this dish satisfies hungry appetites with classic American flavors.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like cream soups and cheddar cheese for quick prep without complicated steps.
Layered Goodness: Alternating layers of meat, potatoes, and sauce means every forkful is perfectly balanced.
Crispy Topping: Fried onions add irresistible crunch and a golden finish that makes it extra special.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, grab fresh ground beef with good marbling for flavor, and russet potatoes for their ideal soft texture when baked. The canned soups might be pantry basics, but they create a creamy sauce that keeps this layered casserole luscious and rich.

Flat lay of raw ground beef mound, a small pile of coarse salt, a few whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl of diced white onion, a small white bowl with diced red bell pepper, a small white bowl with diced green bell pepper, two whole russet potatoes with brown skins, a small white bowl filled with a creamy beige mixture representing combined evaporated milk and cream soups, a small white bowl holding shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, and a small white bowl with golden crispy fried onions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: The star protein providing rich, meaty flavor and hearty texture.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors and balance the dish.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Red bell pepper: Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the mixture.
Green bell pepper: Adds freshness and a slight crunch while balancing the sweetness of the red pepper.
Russet potatoes: Their high starch content ensures soft, tender slices after baking.
Evaporated milk: Gives the sauce creamy richness without watering down the flavor.
Cream of mushroom soup: Contributes earthy undertones that meld beautifully with the beef.
Cream of chicken soup: Adds savory depth and smooth texture to the sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly to create gooey, cheesy layers throughout the casserole.
Fried onions: A crispy, flavorful topping that finishes the dish with satisfying crunch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The great thing about this Savory Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative and tailor it to fit your tastes or dietary needs without losing that delicious, comforting vibe.

Swap the Protein: If ground beef isn’t your favorite, I’ve tried this with ground turkey and it turned out just as hearty and satisfying—plus a bit leaner.
Veggie Boost: Adding mushrooms or even some chopped carrots along with the peppers gives a lovely depth and subtle sweetness that balances the richness.
Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, experimenting with gouda or a sharp white cheddar can add a new flavor twist that’s fantastic.
Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, I suggest using reduced-fat cream soups and milk, which still keep the creaminess without all the extra calories.
Make Ahead: One time I prepped the whole casserole the day before a busy family dinner, then just baked it fresh—it actually tasted even better after the flavors had a night to meld!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Savory Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

A white bowl filled with a layered casserole dish. The bottom layer shows creamy, sliced potatoes with a smooth texture, slightly yellowish-white. On top, there is a mix of ground meat in small chunks with a light brown color, mixed with finely chopped red and green peppers. The top layer is covered with melted cheese that has golden and orange patches from baking, showing some browned, bubbly spots. Small green herb bits are sprinkled across the dish. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl, scooping some of the casserole. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a black and white striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

First things first, get your oven heating to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit—this slow baking temperature is key to tender potatoes and perfectly melded flavors. While it warms up, don’t forget to spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with some pan spray to keep everything from sticking or scrapping later. This little prep step saves you so much cleanup hassle!

Step 2: Cook Up That Ground Beef

Place your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until there’s no pink left—that usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Season it right away with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, mixing well to spread the flavor throughout. This seasoned ground beef forms the savory heart of your casserole.

Step 3: Add Onions and Bell Peppers

Next, toss in your diced onion along with red and green bell peppers. Sauté everything for a few minutes until the onions turn translucent and soften nicely—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. These veggies bring brightness and a slight sweetness that balances the richness. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat from the pan to keep the casserole from getting greasy, then turn off the heat.

Step 4: Prep the Potatoes

While your meat and veggies are cooking, peel your russet potatoes and slice them thinly. Using a mandoline slicer helps ensure the slices are even thickness, which is so important for uniform cooking. Toss these slices immediately into a large bowl filled with cold water. This step prevents browning and helps wash away excess starch for a lighter texture in the final dish.

Step 5: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together one (12-ounce) can of evaporated milk, one (10.5-ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup, and one (10.5-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup. Aim for a smooth, creamy mixture with no lumps—it’s this sauce that envelopes the layers and binds everything together during baking.

Step 6: Dry and Layer the Potatoes

Drain your potato slices carefully and then pat them dry using clean paper towels. This step helps prevent the casserole from turning watery. Now, it’s time for the fun part: layering. Lay half of the potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of your prepared baking dish—take your time so everything cooks evenly.

Step 7: Add Meat, Sauce, and Cheese Layers

Spread half of your cooked meat and veggie mixture evenly over the potatoes, then pour half of your creamy sauce on top. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce. Repeat these layers—potatoes, meat, sauce, and cheese—using the remaining ingredients so your casserole builds up with those delicious layers of flavor and texture.

Step 8: Top with Crispy Fried Onions and Cover

Sprinkle 1 cup of fried onions over the final cheese layer—these will add that irresistible crunch and savory crunch to the dish. Cover the whole baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in moisture during baking, which ensures your potatoes come out tender and creamy.

Step 9: Bake Until Perfectly Tender

Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 75 to 80 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender all the way through and the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This long, low bake lets all the flavors mingle and the cheese melt to cheesy perfection under the foil.

Step 10: Broil for a Golden Finish

Once baking is complete, remove the foil and switch your oven to broil on high. Broil the casserole for just 1 to 2 minutes to brown the fried onions and cheese on top. Keep a close eye here—the golden crispiness happens fast and you don’t want it to burn!

Step 11: Rest and Serve Warm

Finally, let your casserole rest for about 10 minutes before digging in. This resting time allows the potatoes to soak up any remaining sauce, helping the dish set so your servings hold together beautifully. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting taste of this classic American layered casserole.

Top Tip

Mastering the Savory Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures perfectly. Here are some tips that have made all the difference in my kitchen, ensuring your casserole turns out as comforting and delicious as possible.

Use a Mandoline Slicer: I always use a mandoline to slice my russet potatoes evenly thin. This guarantees they cook through nicely and layer beautifully without any surprises in texture.
Drain and Dry Potatoes Thoroughly: After soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water, drying them well with paper towels prevents excess moisture, which can make the casserole soggy. This little step helps keep the layers just right.
Build Layers Gently: When layering, I gently press each layer down but avoid compacting too much. This helps the casserole bake evenly while maintaining its light, tender texture.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking allows it to set and makes serving a breeze. Skipping this can result in a runnier texture that’s harder to plate.

How to Serve Savory Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe

In a close-up view of a pan, there is a base layer of brown cooked ground meat with a slightly crumbly texture and some shiny bits from the cooked juices. On top of the meat, there are three distinct piles of diced vegetables positioned side by side: bright green bell peppers on the left, red bell peppers in the middle, and white onions on the right. The colors are vivid with the peppers and onions showing crisp, fresh edges. The inside of the pan is metallic with a slightly worn look, and the background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

This casserole shines on its own but garnishing can add a fresh pop. Try sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for color and a mild herbal note. A dollop of sour cream or a side of tangy pickles also complements the rich, cheesy layers beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Savory Ground Beef Potato Casserole with simple, crisp sides to balance the richness. Classic green beans sautéed with garlic, a fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette, or roasted Brussels sprouts all make fantastic companions for this hearty dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for quick and comforting meals later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 25-30 minutes or until it's heated through and bubbly. This preserves the creamy texture and keeps the fried onion topping from getting too soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute, and use vegetable broth or soups instead of cream of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.

How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the potatoes are tender throughout. You can test this by inserting a fork or skewer into the center; it should slide in easily without resistance.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because of their starchy texture, which helps create a creamy, tender casserole. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are a good alternative if you prefer a slightly waxier texture.

Is it okay to use low-fat soups in this recipe?

Yes! Using low-fat or reduced sodium cream soups can lighten the casserole while keeping it flavorful. Just be aware that this might slightly change the creaminess and richness of the final dish.

Final Thoughts

This Savory Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for bringing family and friends together. With its layers of tender potatoes, flavorful beef, creamy sauce, and that irresistible crispy topping, it’s no wonder this hearty dish becomes a favorite. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to make it your own and enjoy every comforting bite!