Beef and potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food—layers of tender potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, and plenty of melty cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of dish that feeds a crowd, satisfies the deepest cravings, and disappears fast.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners, this casserole is easy to assemble and even easier to love. Serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, paprika, and thyme. Drain excess fat if needed. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually stir in the beef broth and milk, bringing to a simmer. Cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Layer the Casserole
Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Top with half of the beef mixture, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers: remaining potatoes, remaining beef, remaining cheddar. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro-Tips for Beef and Potato Casserole Perfection
- Slice Potatoes Thinly and Evenly: Uniform slices ensure even cooking. A mandoline makes this easy.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef Sauce: It should be saucy but not too thin—it will thicken as it bakes.
- Layer Carefully: Even layering ensures every bite has potatoes, beef, and cheese.
- Cover While Baking: Covering first steams the potatoes until tender; uncovering lets the cheese brown.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps it set for clean slices.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
- Freezer Friendly: This casserole freezes beautifully. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Add Vegetables: Add mushrooms, carrots, or peas to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
This Beef and Potato Casserole is hearty, cheesy, and absolutely comforting.
