If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, creamy soup, and melted cheddar come together for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

A white baking dish filled with a layered casserole, topped with a golden-brown melted cheese layer mixed with crispy fried onions and sprinkled with green herbs. Beneath the top, layers of creamy mixture with visible slices of white rounds, browned ground meat, and bits of red and green vegetables can be seen. A wooden spoon lifts a portion from the bottom right corner, showing distinct layers of creamy sauce, cheese, ground meat, and sliced vegetables. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, with a glimpse of a striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this casserole on chilly evenings when everyone’s needing a little extra comfort – it never disappoints! It’s easy to assemble, bakes up beautifully, and fills the house with the most irresistible aroma.

Perfect for family meals: Makes about 10 hearty servings, so everyone gets their fill (and seconds).
Easy to prep ahead: Layer it up and pop it in the oven when you’re ready—minimal fuss.
Flavor-packed: Seasoned beef, tasty soups, and sharp cheddar combine for a rich, comforting flavor.
Crunchy topping: Crispy fried onions add texture and a golden finish that you won’t be able to resist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients really makes this casserole shine, so I always grab fresh veggies and full-fat soups for that creamy, luscious texture. Russet potatoes are my go-to here because they bake up fluffy and absorb the flavors perfectly.

Flat lay of raw ground beef mound, a small pile of coarse salt, a few whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl of diced white onion, a small white bowl with diced red bell pepper, a small white bowl with diced green bell pepper, two whole russet potatoes with brown skins, a small white bowl filled with a creamy beige mixture representing combined evaporated milk and cream soups, a small white bowl holding shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, and a small white bowl with golden crispy fried onions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: Provides hearty, savory flavor and protein; I prefer 80/20 for juiciness.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the beef and veggies.
Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
Red and green bell peppers: Bring color and a mild, fresh crunch.
Russet potatoes: Their high starch content helps create a tender, fluffy base.
Evaporated milk: Creamy texture that blends smoothly into the sauce.
Cream of mushroom soup: Adds an earthy richness and velvety consistency.
Cream of chicken soup: Balances the mushroom flavor and boosts the comforting vibes.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and divided for perfect layering.
Fried onions: The ultimate crispy topping that takes this casserole over the top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to tweak it to suit your taste buds or use what you have on hand — it’s all about making this hearty dish your own cozy classic.

Vegetable Boost: I love adding chopped mushrooms or a handful of spinach for extra veggies. It adds great earthiness and makes the casserole even more comforting.
Soup Swaps: Sometimes I substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup to change up the flavor profile without compromising creaminess.
Cheese Choices: While cheddar is the star here, mixing in a little Monterey Jack or smoked gouda adds a delicious twist that my family really enjoys.
Crunch Twist: If fried onions aren’t your thing, crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs give a different, but equally tasty, crispy topping.
Lean and Light: For a lighter spin, I switch to lean ground beef and use reduced-fat cheese. It keeps all the flavor with less guilt, perfect for a weeknight meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

A white bowl filled with a layered casserole dish. The bottom layer shows creamy, sliced potatoes with a smooth texture, slightly yellowish-white. On top, there is a mix of ground meat in small chunks with a light brown color, mixed with finely chopped red and green peppers. The top layer is covered with melted cheese that has golden and orange patches from baking, showing some browned, bubbly spots. Small green herb bits are sprinkled across the dish. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl, scooping some of the casserole. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface next to a black and white striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Prep the Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming, grab a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with pan spray to make sure nothing sticks later on. This small prep step makes cleanup a breeze and helps the casserole bake evenly.

Step 2: Brown Your Ground Beef with Seasonings

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 pounds of ground beef. Break it into smaller pieces and cook until there’s no pink left, about 7-10 minutes. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to season as it cooks—this builds a flavorful base for your casserole.

Step 3: Sauté the Bell Peppers and Onions

Add the diced onion and both red and green bell peppers to your skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent. This not only adds sweetness but also a subtle texture contrast. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then turn off the heat—your savory meat and veggies are ready.

Step 4: Slice Your Potatoes Thin

Peel 2 pounds of russet potatoes and slice them as thinly as you can—about ⅛-inch slices work beautifully to ensure they cook through. To prevent browning and keep them fresh, immediately place the slices in a large bowl of cold water. This little trick keeps your casserole looking bright and fresh.

Step 5: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk with 1 can each of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups (both 10.5 ounces). Whisk until smooth and well blended. This creamy mixture is what magically holds the layers together and makes the casserole so luscious.

Step 6: Start Layering Your Casserole

Drain the potato slices from the water and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then layer half of the potatoes evenly on the bottom of your baking dish. Next, spread half of the seasoned meat and veggie mix over the potatoes. Pour half of the sauce over that, then sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. This layering creates the perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

Step 7: Repeat Layers and Top

Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, meat mixture, sauce, and the last 1½ cups of cheddar cheese. Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of fried onions over the top for that golden, crispy finish that’s so satisfying to bite into.

Step 8: Cover and Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 75 to 80 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll know it’s done when the sauce bubbles around the edges and the kitchen smells like pure comfort.

Step 9: Broil for a Golden Crunch

Carefully remove the foil and switch your oven to broil on high. Broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Watch it closely to avoid burning—this quick step adds incredible texture contrast you won’t want to miss.

Step 10: Rest Before Serving

Let your Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole sit for about 10 minutes once it’s out of the oven. This rest time lets the potatoes absorb any extra liquid and helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve nice, neat slices that hold together perfectly.

Top Tip

These tips will help your Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe turn out perfectly every time, making the cooking process smoother and the flavors shine.

Pat Dry Your Potatoes: Removing excess moisture from the sliced potatoes before layering prevents a soggy casserole and keeps the texture just right.
Use Russet Potatoes: I learned that russets give that ideal fluffy and tender bite, making the layers stand out beautifully compared to other potato varieties.
Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes cutting neat, satisfying slices much easier.
Don’t Skip Broiling: Broiling the top at high heat for just 1 to 2 minutes adds a wonderful golden crunch from the fried onions that really finishes the dish.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

In a close-up view of a pan, there is a base layer of brown cooked ground meat with a slightly crumbly texture and some shiny bits from the cooked juices. On top of the meat, there are three distinct piles of diced vegetables positioned side by side: bright green bell peppers on the left, red bell peppers in the middle, and white onions on the right. The colors are vivid with the peppers and onions showing crisp, fresh edges. The inside of the pan is metallic with a slightly worn look, and the background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado on the side can also complement the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This comforting casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve alongside warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up that cheesy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the casserole moist and flavorful while maintaining food safety.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or warm the entire casserole in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes, covered, until hot throughout. For best texture, add a few extra minutes uncovered to crisp the top.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of potatoes in this casserole?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes as a substitute, but russet potatoes are recommended for the best fluffy texture. Yukon Golds may yield a slightly denser outcome.

Is it necessary to broil the casserole at the end?

Broiling is optional but recommended. It adds a lovely golden and crispy topping from the fried onions that really elevates the dish’s texture and flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate it, then bake it when ready. Just be sure to add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I substitute for fried onions as a topping?

If you prefer, crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs work well as alternatives, providing a crunchy texture to the top of the casserole.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table. Its layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, creamy sauces, and rich cheddar cheese make every bite a delight. Whether for a family meal or a casual get-together, it’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. So grab your skillet, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that feels like a warm hug from home.