Ground Beef Cheesy Casserole

This ground beef cheesy casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, combining hearty potatoes, savory beef, and a blanket of melted cheese that creates the perfect family-friendly meal. I've been making this for years when I need something guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

This casserole has saved countless dinner emergencies in my household. I first created it during a particularly chaotic week when I needed something my picky eaters would actually eat, and it's remained in heavy rotation ever since.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The 80% lean variety provides the best flavor without excess grease. Look for freshly ground meat with a bright red color.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Creates a rich base for the casserole. Choose a quality brand for best results.
• Cream of cheddar cheese soup: Adds incredible creaminess throughout the dish. This ingredient truly makes the recipe special.
• Frozen cubed potatoes: Time-saving ingredient that eliminates peeling and chopping. The small size ensures they cook perfectly within the baking time.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Use freshly shredded for best melting quality. Medium or sharp varieties work wonderfully.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all other flavors. Adjust according to your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, making sure to cover the corners and sides completely to prevent sticking.

Brown The Beef:

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, using a wooden spoon to break it into small, even crumbles as it cooks. Continue until no pink remains, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly to remove excess fat which could make your casserole greasy.

Create The Sauce Base:

Transfer your browned beef to a large mixing bowl and immediately add both soups while the meat is still warm. This helps the soups incorporate more smoothly. Stir until the beef is completely coated with the creamy mixture.

Combine Main Ingredients:

Add the frozen potato cubes and half of your shredded cheese directly to the beef mixture. The cold potatoes will cool the mixture slightly which is perfect. Season generously with salt and pepper, remembering that potatoes absorb salt. Mix everything until evenly distributed.

Assemble The Casserole:

Spread your mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing down gently with a spatula to create an even layer. This ensures consistent cooking throughout the casserole.

Add The Cheese Topping:

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top, making sure to reach the edges for that beautiful golden crust that will form during baking.

Initial Baking Phase:

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This covered phase allows the potatoes to steam and begin cooking through while the flavors meld together.

Final Baking Phase:

Remove the foil carefully to avoid steam burns and return to the oven for an additional 30 minutes. This uncovered phase creates that irresistible golden, bubbling cheese top that everyone fights over.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step lets the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving much easier.

Save This

The cream of cheddar cheese soup is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I ran out of cream of chicken soup one evening, and the cheesy version created such a rich, velvety texture that I never went back to my original recipe.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish up to a day ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, then proceed with baking as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Easy Variations

While this recipe is delicious as written, it's also incredibly adaptable. Try adding a cup of frozen mixed vegetables for added nutrition, or stir in a tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix for a flavor boost. For a spicy version, add a small can of diced green chiles or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For special occasions, I serve it alongside steamed broccoli and homemade dinner rolls. The casserole is substantial enough to stand alone as a complete meal, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they have time to meld together. For longer storage, portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 325°F oven until heated through.

Common Queries

→ Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Yes, peeled and cubed fresh potatoes can be substituted. Parboil them for a few minutes before use to ensure even baking.

→ What other meats work well in this dish?

Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives and will bake up just as delicious with similar seasonings.

→ How can I make this ahead?

Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if cold.

→ Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, cool completely, then wrap portions tightly. Reheat covered in the oven until warmed through and bubbly.

→ How do I adjust the seasoning?

Taste the mixture before baking, as the canned soups are salty. Add salt and pepper as needed, or experiment with herbs.