Name: Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes; 1 cup sour cream; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Imagine diving into a bubbling casserole where creamy potatoes, seasoned beef, and golden cheddar melt together in every forkful. That’s the irresistible magic of this Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe—a true weeknight hero that brings comfort and smiles to your table with minimal fuss. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll whip up a dish that’s hearty enough to satisfy hungry families and simple enough for any beginner cook. Each layer adds its own cozy charm, and the result is the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again!

Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients; each one has a special role to play, whether it’s packing in flavor, adding creaminess, or creating that perfectly golden crust. With just the essentials and a few pantry staples, your casserole will come to life with texture and color.

Ground beef: Savory and rich, this is the foundation that gives the casserole its heartiness.
Onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth, and melds beautifully with the beef.
Garlic (minced): A punch of aromatic flavor that brings every ingredient together.
Salt: Elevates all the flavors and ensures a perfectly seasoned bite.
Black pepper: Offers a mild kick and balances out the richness.
Paprika: Provides a warm, subtle smokiness and a pop of color.
Peeled and diced potatoes: These soften during baking, soaking up all that creamy goodness.
Sour cream: Makes the casserole luxuriously creamy and tangy.
Cream of mushroom soup: The secret weapon for luscious sauce, tying everything together.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient—melty, cheesy, and absolutely crave-worthy.
Milk: Loosens up the sauce so every bite is perfectly coated.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end wakes everything up with brightness and fresh color.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures nothing sticks and your casserole slices up beautifully later—trust me, it’s worth the extra two seconds!

Step 2: Cook the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with your spoon as you go. Drain off any excess fat to prevent your casserole from feeling greasy later. Next, season everything with salt, black pepper, and paprika, giving it a good stir to coat the beef thoroughly.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir this mixture until it’s smooth and luscious—think of this as the glue that binds all the yumminess together!

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Beef Mixture

Toss in your peeled and diced potatoes along with the seasoned beef mixture. Give everything a good stir, making sure every potato cube gets coated in cheesy, creamy sauce, ensuring each bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover the dish with foil (this traps in moisture and helps the potatoes cook through), then bake for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Pop the dish back in the oven, uncovered, for another 15 minutes. The cheese will bubble up, melt, and form that golden, irresistible crust. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the whole kitchen smells like pure comfort.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe rest for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top—it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Now, dig in while it’s warm and melty!

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic choice and instantly brightens up the whole casserole, but don’t stop there! Try a sprinkle of smoked paprika or sliced green onions for a little extra flair. If you’re after some crunch, a handful of crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon bits is always a win.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right sides transforms dinner into a feast. A crisp green salad or simply steamed green beans add freshness, while fluffy dinner rolls or buttery biscuits are perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce. Want to lean into classic comfort? Serve with tangy coleslaw or roasted seasonal veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions, or add a fun topping of crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs during the final bake for extra crunch and visual appeal. Hosting a potluck? Just scoop portions into pretty bowls and add a sprig of fresh herbs for a homey yet elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge, and your Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe will keep fresh for up to four days. It’s even better the next day as the flavors have more time to mingle.

Freezing

Want to save a batch for later? Wrap the cooled casserole tightly (either in its baking dish or in individual portions) and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover the casserole and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, a microwave does the trick in a couple of minutes—just cover loosely to keep in the moisture.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well with this Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe, making it a bit lighter but still incredibly tasty and just as satisfying.

Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes before adding them?

No need for extra pots and pans—the diced potatoes bake beautifully in the casserole and soak up all those savory flavors as they become perfectly tender in the oven.

Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use a gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup or make your own at home. Double-check your other ingredients for hidden gluten and you’re all set.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar adds a classic zesty bite, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even Colby for a twist. The real key is using cheese that melts easily and matches your flavor preferences.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe up to the point before baking, cover tightly, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to cook, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold start.

Final Thoughts

You just can’t beat the pure comfort and ease of serving up this Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe. It’s a stress-free, family-approved dinner you’ll crave all year round. I hope you make it soon—don’t forget to save a big, cheesy bite for yourself!

Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty Cheesy Potato Beef Bake that combines seasoned ground beef with creamy mushroom sauce, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. This family-friendly casserole is perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika

For the Casserole:

3 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a bowl, mix sour cream, mushroom soup, milk, and 1 cup of cheese. Add potatoes and cooked beef.
Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, top with remaining cheese, and bake for another 15 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
For added crunch, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
This dish reheats well and is delicious as leftovers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American