If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds, this Ultimate Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — packed with tender ground beef, creamy layers of potatoes, and a cheesy, dreamy topping that’s so satisfying. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite because it’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my best tips to make sure your casserole turns out perfect every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already, making it easy to throw together.
- Comfort Food Classic: The hearty mix of ground beef, potatoes, and creamy soups is pure cozy deliciousness.
- Family-Friendly: My kids go crazy for this casserole, and it’s a perfect way to feed a crowd.
- Budget-Friendly: It’s full of filling ingredients that won’t break the bank, ideal for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ultimate Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe lies in simple, everyday ingredients that come together so well. Choosing fresh potatoes and good quality ground beef really makes a difference—you’ll see! Also, the combo of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup keeps things merry and creamy without fuss.
- Ground beef: Go for 80/20 for a nice balance of flavor and moisture without being too greasy.
- Onion: Diced finely so it cooks evenly and blends smoothly into the beef.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really brightens the dish; avoid the jarred stuff if you can.
- Salt and black pepper: Season well – it’s key to bringing out all those rich flavors.
- Potatoes: Thinly sliced for tender layering; Yukon Golds are my favorite here because they hold up well without getting mushy.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthiness and creaminess, plus a hint of mushroom flavor that’s subtle but important.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: This pairs perfectly with the mushroom soup to create a savory, luscious sauce.
- Evaporated milk & milk: Helps thin out the soup mixture to coat everything evenly and prevent dryness.
- Shredded cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for a rich, melty topping that bubbles and browns perfectly.
- Cooking spray: To make sure your casserole doesn’t stick and cleans up easily.
Variations
One of the great things about the Ultimate Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe is how versatile it can be. I love swapping ingredients here and there depending on what’s in season or what’s in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own—you’ll discover new favorite flavor combos along the way!
- Adding veggies: I sometimes toss in diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra color and flavor, and it never disappoints.
- Cheese variety: Switching cheddar for pepper jack adds a spicy kick that my family surprisingly loves.
- Lower dairy: Using reduced-fat milk and cheese works great here if you want a lighter casserole without sacrificing taste.
- Make it gluten-free: Just be sure your soups are labeled gluten-free, and you’ll keep everyone happy and safe.
How to Make Ultimate Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures it’s nice and hot so the casserole bakes evenly. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking—this small step makes cleanup a breeze. I always keep that dish ready and waiting before starting on the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Beef, Onions, and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. This usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Make sure to break the beef into small pieces as it cooks for even browning. Once done, drain any excess fat — you want this to be flavorful but not greasy. Season with salt and pepper now so the beef is perfectly seasoned from the start.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Beef
Lay a single layer of thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. I like to overlap them just a bit to create a nice base. Next, spoon half of your cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes and spread it out. This layering creates a tasty balance between the hearty potatoes and the savory beef.
Step 4: Mix and Pour the Soupy Goodness
In a bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and regular milk until smooth. This combo makes the casserole creamy without being too thick or dry. Pour half of this mixture over the beef and potatoes in your dish. Then sprinkle half of your shredded cheese on top. This step really amps up the flavor and creaminess.
Step 5: Repeat and Top It Off
Repeat the layering process: potatoes, the remaining beef, the rest of the soup mixture, and finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese over the top. To keep the cheese from burning, tent a piece of aluminum foil over the top without touching the surface. This way, the cheese melts perfectly while protecting it from the hot oven.
Step 6: Bake and Let It Rest
Bake covered for 1 hour, then carefully remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes to get that gorgeous golden cheese crust. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing — this helps it set so your pieces hold together beautifully when serving. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe
- Use Thin Potato Slices: I discovered this trick when I first made the casserole—thin slices cook evenly and soften perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Drain Beef Thoroughly: Avoid a greasy casserole by draining excess fat; it keeps the dish rich but not oily.
- Tent Cheese with Foil: Covering the casserole loosely with foil protects the cheese from burning while still allowing it to melt beautifully.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: This simple step makes all the difference—you’ll get clean slices that don’t fall apart.
How to Serve Ultimate Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this casserole with fresh chopped parsley or green onions—they add a pop of color and a fresh bite that balances the creamy richness. Sometimes, a dollop of sour cream on the side elevates it to next-level comfort food. It’s such a simple addition that really delights family and guests alike.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed green beans and a side of garlic bread round out the meal for a satisfying complete dinner that feels both hearty and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings or potlucks, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins so everyone gets a personal serving with a golden top. It makes the meal feel special and fun! You could even sprinkle some crushed crispy onions or bacon bits over the cheese before baking for an epic flavor surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors even improve after resting overnight! When storing, I like to line the container with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make reheating easier.
Freezing
This casserole freezes pretty well! Simply assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed. The texture is nearly as good as fresh, which is a relief on busy nights.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. This helps prevent drying out or toughening the cheese. You can also microwave individual servings covered with a microwave-safe lid, but the stovetop or oven gives a better texture overall.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of potatoes for this casserole?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes are great because they hold their shape well, but Russets or red potatoes work too. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook thoroughly within the baking time.
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Is it okay to substitute the condensed soups with homemade sauce?
You can, but it will change the texture and flavor somewhat. Using homemade cream sauces can make the dish fresher and less processed, but you’ll need to adjust quantities and ensure the sauce is thick enough to bind the layers nicely.
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How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Draining the cooked ground beef thoroughly and properly layering thin potato slices helps. Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking—that gives the casserole a chance to set and thicken up before serving.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetarian versions of the condensed soups. The casserole will still be hearty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe has been a go-to in my household for years, especially when I want something that’s easy but feels special. It’s one of those dishes you can trust to feed hungry kids and happy adults alike, with plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it becomes your next comfort food staple to turn to. Happy cooking!
Print
Ultimate Ground Beef Potatoes Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hobo Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom and chicken soup mixture, and melted cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s an ideal budget-friendly and easy-to-make recipe perfect for weeknight dinners and busy families.
Ingredients
Meat and Veggies
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10.7 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (with or without garlic added)
- 1 can (10.7 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- ½ cup milk
Cheese and Cooking Aid
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper and stir well.
- Layer Potatoes and Beef: Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
- Mix and Add Soup Mixture: In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup. Whisk in the evaporated milk and regular milk until smooth. Pour half of this soup mixture evenly over the beef layer. Then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the top.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of the remaining sliced potatoes followed by the rest of the beef mixture. Pour the remaining soup mixture over the beef and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the pan with a piece of tinfoil, making sure to tent it so the foil does not touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and potatoes to become tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Use a wire rack or cutting board to slice and serve.
Notes
- This Hobo Casserole is loaded with ground beef and potatoes, making it a filling and flavorful meal.
- It’s very easy to prepare, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and busy family meals.
- The recipe is budget-friendly and can be customized with different cheese varieties or soup flavors if desired.
- For a creamier dish, you can add a little extra milk or cheese.
- Make sure to tent the foil to prevent cheese from sticking to the foil while baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 441 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1106 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 71 mg
