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.
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.

- 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.
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

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

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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Savory Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rest Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting layered dish featuring ground beef, tender sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom and chicken soup, and melted cheddar cheese, all topped with crispy fried onions. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines classic American flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 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
Potatoes and Sauce
- 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
Toppings
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with pan spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until no pink remains, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Stir in the salt and pepper for seasoning.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion and both red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until the onion is translucent and soft. Drain off the fat and turn off the heat.
- Prepare potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly. Place the slices into a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning and remove excess starch.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
- Drain and dry potatoes: Drain the potato slices from the water and pat them dry thoroughly with clean paper towels.
- Layer ingredients: Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked meat mixture over the potatoes, then pour half of the sauce over the meat. Sprinkle with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, meat, sauce, and cheese.
- Add topping and cover: Top the assembled casserole with 1 cup of fried onions. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 75-80 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Broil for golden topping: Remove the foil and broil on high for 1-2 minutes to brown the fried onions and cheese on top.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes to allow the potatoes to absorb any remaining liquid, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices to ensure even cooking.
- For a lighter version, substitute cream soups with low-fat or reduced sodium options.
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate before baking.
- Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the casserole set for easier serving.
- If you prefer, swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner protein alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/10th of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg



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