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Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

A comforting, one-dish meal that combines seasoned ground beef, frozen potato cubes, creamy soups, and melting cheddar cheese, baked until bubbly and browned.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner) 80/20 gives more flavor; use 90/10 and add 1 tbsp oil if you want less fat.
  • 1 28 oz bag frozen cubed potatoes with onions & peppers Saves time; if using plain potatoes, add diced onion.
  • 1 10.5 oz can cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 10.5 oz can cream of celery soup (or cream of mushroom) Either works; mushroom gives an earthier flavor.
  • 2+ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Start with 2 cups; add more for extra cheesiness.
  • Salt, black pepper, garlic powder Basic seasoning; taste as you go.
  • Optional: smoked paprika or onion powder For extra depth.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease, leaving about 1–2 teaspoons in the skillet for flavor.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, frozen cubed potatoes (no need to thaw), both cans of soup, and half of the shredded cheddar. Stir until evenly mixed.
  5. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top.
Baking
  1. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar evenly over the casserole. Cover tightly with foil.
  2. Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
  3. For a crispier, browned top, broil on high for 2–3 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Best enjoyed with a green salad or a dollop of sour cream. Leftovers reheat well.