Ground Beef Potato Bake Recipe

Nothing feels more comforting than a bubbling, cheesy Ground Beef Potato Bake coming straight out of the oven. This dish is pure cozy satisfaction, with melt-in-your-mouth layers of thinly sliced potatoes, savory ground beef, and plenty of gooey cheese. It’s a weeknight winner you’ll find yourself making on repeat, whether you’re feeding a family or craving serious comfort food for yourself. From the first forkful, you’ll see why Ground Beef Potato Bake is a classic—easy to love, simple to prepare, and even better as leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ground Beef Potato Bake is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special, from the creamy potatoes and hearty meat to the layers of rich cheese, all seasoned just right for a crowd-pleasing meal.

• Potatoes: Sliced super thin, they bake up tender and create the signature casserole texture.
• Ground beef: Adds satisfying heartiness and savory flavor in every bite.
• Onion: Finely chopped for sweet depth and a subtle aromatic base.
• Olive oil: Just a bit for sautéing, unlocking all the best flavors from the onions and garlic.
• Beef broth: Soaks into the layers and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for an irresistible garlicky punch.
• Milk (optional): A splash makes the potato layer extra creamy, but it’s optional based on your preference.
• Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings that bring everything together.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated and sprinkled for a salty, nutty finish on top.
• Italian blend seasoning: A medley of herbs for that familiar, mouthwatering taste.
• Paprika powder: Gives a hint of smokiness and boosts the casserole’s gorgeous color.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded generously for melty, gooey richness throughout.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Make Ground Beef Potato Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Potatoes

Start by getting your oven nice and hot at 375°F (190°C). Wash your potatoes thoroughly and decide if you want them peeled—it’s up to you! The key here is slicing them as thin as possible, aiming for about 1/4-inch thick, so they bake evenly and become melt-in-your-mouth tender in the finished casserole.

Step 2: Make the Beef Mixture

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in those finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them sizzle until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. Next goes the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks, stirring in your Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink left and everything smells simply irresistible.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Grab your favorite baking dish and lightly grease it for easy serving later. Arrange half the potato slices across the bottom in a neat layer. Top with half of the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle on half the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers—potatoes, beef, and cheddar—using up your remaining ingredients. Finally, gently pour the beef broth (and milk, if you want it super creamy) over the entire casserole so every bite gets infused with flavor.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep in all that steamy goodness. Pop it in your oven for 35 to 40 minutes. This is when the potatoes soften up, the beef mingles with the cheese, and the whole dish starts to come together.

Step 5: Uncover and Finish Baking

Once the potatoes feel fork-tender, peel away the foil and give the casserole a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top. Place it back in the oven, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is gloriously golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Remove your Ground Beef Potato Bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes—this makes it easier to cut and helps the flavors settle. Before serving, shower it with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green and a fresh finishing touch.

How to Serve Ground Beef Potato Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds more than just color; it gives a bright note that perfectly balances the rich, cheesy layers. Try a pinch of extra Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, or even a dusting of smoked paprika for extra flair. If you love heat, a few chili flakes on top can wake up the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Ground Beef Potato Bake pairs effortlessly with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables, or roasted broccoli for a wholesome meal. A warm baguette or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any cheesy, savory juices left behind on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get a little playful when serving! Try cutting the casserole into elegant squares for a dinner party, or fill ramekins for adorable individual servings. Top with a swirl of sour cream or serve alongside tangy pickles for a fun twist that surprises your taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Ground Beef Potato Bake can be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds up beautifully, and the flavors even deepen as it sits, making leftovers extra special.

Freezing

If you want to make this dish ahead, Ground Beef Potato Bake freezes very well. Once cooled, transfer portions or the whole casserole to a freezer-safe container and enjoy within 2 months. To prevent freezer burn, press a sheet of plastic wrap right against the surface before sealing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave until piping hot, or cover and heat larger amounts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding an extra sprinkle of cheese on top while reheating brings it back to life just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I make Ground Beef Potato Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it straight in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming out cold.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, or try vegetarian crumbles for a meat-free version that still delivers all the comforting flavors.

How thin should I slice the potatoes?

Aim for slices about 1/4-inch thick or even thinner if possible. This helps the potatoes cook through evenly and ensures you get perfectly tender layers in your Ground Beef Potato Bake.

Is Ground Beef Potato Bake spicy?

The classic version is mild and family-friendly, with only a hint of warmth from the paprika. If you want spice, toss in a bit of chili flakes or swap in spicy cheese for a kick.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can be layered in for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to sauté veggies first to avoid excess moisture in your bake.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about sharing a dish like Ground Beef Potato Bake that just brings everyone to the table, ready for seconds. Give it a try and enjoy how effortless, hearty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious homemade comfort food can be!

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