Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole

Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 430 calories per serving.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 10 min | Total: 1 hr 50 min

Cost: $13.07 total, $2.18 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Ground Chuck (80% lean, broken up while cooking)
  • 1 medium Onion (diced)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Can substitute minced garlic, garlic paste, or garlic powder)
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tsp Salt (plus extra for potatoes)
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 0.5 cup Beef Broth (Low‑sodium preferred)
  • 0.25 tsp Red Chili Flakes
  • 3 medium potatoes Russet Potatoes (Cubed into 1‑inch pieces, all similar size)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (For tossing potatoes)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 0.5 cup Whole Milk
  • 0.5 cup Mild Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
  • 0.5 cup Gouda Cheese (Shredded)
  • 0.5 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef

    Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat, add the ground chuck and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  2. Sauté Onions

    Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  3. Season the Meat

    Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute to release aromas.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Add Tomato Paste and Broth

    Mix in tomato paste, beef broth, and red chili flakes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Low

  5. Cube the Potatoes

    While the meat simmers, peel (optional) and cube the potatoes into roughly 1‑inch pieces, keeping them uniform for even cooking.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Par‑boil the Potatoes

    Place the cubed potatoes in a saucepan of salted boiling water. Boil for 10 minutes until just tender but still firm.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Boiling

  7. Season the Potatoes

    Return potatoes to the colander, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 375°F

  9. Oil the Baking Dish

    Lightly oil the bottom of a 9x13‑inch baking dish using a paper towel.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Layer Potatoes and Meat

    Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in the dish, then layer the cooked beef mixture on top, spreading it into an even layer.

    Time: PT3M

  11. Prepare Cream Sauce

    In a mixing bowl, combine the canned cream of mushroom soup with the milk. Whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Add Sauce to Casserole

    Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the layered potatoes and meat, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Bake Covered

    Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 375°F

  14. Add Cheese and Parsley

    Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar, Gouda, and mozzarella evenly over the top, then scatter chopped parsley.

    Time: PT5M

  15. Bake Uncovered

    Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  16. Rest and Serve

    Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
430
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
25g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Contains meat, High‑protein, Comfort food

Allergens: Dairy, Soy, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole

A budget-friendly, cheesy baked casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, tender cubed potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce, finished with a blend of cheddar, Gouda, and mozzarella. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
22m
Prep
1h 18m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.07
Total cost
$2.18
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Drain excess fat from the browned ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
  • Par‑boil potatoes until just tender to ensure they finish cooking in the oven.
  • Cover the casserole with foil for the first bake to steam the potatoes.
  • Add a generous cheese blend and finish the bake uncovered for a golden crust.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot skillet and boiling water with oven mitts.
  • Drain hot fat carefully to avoid splatter burns.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole in American comfort food cuisine?

A

Casseroles like this one became popular in mid‑20th‑century America as an economical, one‑dish meal that could feed a family using pantry staples. The combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese reflects classic Midwestern comfort food traditions.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole in United States cuisine?

A

In the Midwest, the dish often uses cheddar and a simple cream sauce, while in the Southwest cooks may add green chilies or use pepper jack cheese. Some Southern versions swap beef broth for chicken broth and add corn.

cultural
Q

How is Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole traditionally served in American family meals?

A

It is typically served hot straight from the oven, sliced into squares, and accompanied by a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. It’s a staple for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual weeknight dinners.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

The casserole is popular for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving leftovers, Fourth of July picnics, and community potlucks because it can be made ahead and feeds a crowd.

cultural
Q

How does Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?

A

It embodies the comfort‑food hallmarks of hearty protein, starchy potatoes, and melty cheese, offering a warm, filling dish that evokes nostalgia and home‑cooked simplicity.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include ground chuck, russet potatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and a cheddar‑Gouda‑mozzarella blend. Substitutes can be ground turkey, Yukon Gold potatoes, cream of chicken soup, or any melt‑friendly cheese you prefer.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole?

A

It pairs nicely with a crisp garden salad, roasted green beans, or a simple coleslaw. For a fuller meal, serve alongside cornbread or garlic bread.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole?

A

Common errors include not draining excess beef fat, under‑cooking the potatoes before baking, and skipping the foil‑covered bake, which can leave the potatoes hard and the casserole dry.

technical
Q

Why does this Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole recipe use par‑boiling for the potatoes instead of raw potatoes?

A

Par‑boiling ensures the potatoes become tender during the short oven bake, preventing a raw or gritty texture. It also reduces overall cooking time and helps the potatoes absorb the sauce evenly.

technical
Q

Can I make Cheesy Beefy Potato Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can assemble the casserole (without the final cheese topping) up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add the cheese and bake when ready, or freeze the assembled uncooked casserole for up to two months.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Unknown specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Unknown focuses on easy, budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials that emphasize comfort‑food classics and step‑by‑step guidance for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Unknown's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Channel Unknown emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, practical kitchen hacks, and clear visual cues, making classic American dishes like this casserole accessible without fancy equipment, unlike channels that often use gourmet techniques.

channel

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