Ground beef potato casserole is a comforting dish that brings home-cooked goodness to your dinner table. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, it combines flavors in the most delightful way. This casserole is not only hearty but also a satisfying meal that helps you use up those ingredients lying around in your pantry or fridge. Whether you’re navigating a busy weeknight or looking to feed a crowd without breaking the bank, this dish will soon become a cherished favorite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Creating a ground beef potato casserole is a straightforward process that yields wonderful results. You get that rich, meaty flavor paired with the warmth of potatoes and the zing of spices. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one skillet! It’s budget-friendly and the sort of meal that brings everyone together, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see for yourself how it brightens up any meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and around 47 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices, green chiles, and cheese creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The melted cheese on top, bubbly and golden brown, makes for a stunning presentation.
Flexible Serving: Great for dinner, potlucks, or to use as a comforting leftovers dish.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap in ingredients for gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness and flavor to the beef while sautéing the vegetables.
1 pound lean ground beef: Lean beef ensures a hearty texture without excess fat; you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if desired.
1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch dice: These potatoes provide a creamy texture. If you prefer, you can use russet potatoes.
1/2 cup diced yellow onion: Onions add flavor depth; you could replace them with shallots for a milder taste.
1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced: This pepper introduces a subtle heat; if you can’t find poblano, bell peppers work as a milder substitute.
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for flavor; you can adjust it based on your preference.
1 teaspoon chili powder: This introduces warmth; you could use cayenne for more kick.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin adds an earthy flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: It enhances the overall savory taste. Fresh garlic can be substituted if preferred.
4 ounces diced green chiles: These give a delightful pop of flavor; even jalapeños can be swapped in for extra heat.
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens the dish; omit if you’re not a fan or replace it with parsley.
15 ounces mild green enchilada sauce: This sauce ties all the flavors together; opt for a spicier version if you prefer more heat.
1 cup shredded cheese (Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Cheddar cheese): Cheese brings creaminess; you can mix up types or use a dairy-free alternative for variations.

How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures your casserole cooks evenly from the get-go.

Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. This spice blend will season your beef and potatoes wonderfully.

Cook the Beef: Add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, crumble in 1 pound of lean ground beef, seasoning it with half of the spice blend. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the 1 pound of diced Yukon gold potatoes, 1/2 cup of diced yellow onion, and 1 diced poblano pepper, along with the rest of the spice blend. Stir occasionally and cook for 10–12 minutes until the potatoes have softened. If they start to stick to the pan, a couple of tablespoons of water will help prevent that.

Add Greens: Once the potatoes are just tender, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro and the 4 ounces of diced green chiles. This adds a fresh element to the casserole.

Combine and Bake: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, along with 15 ounces of mild green enchilada sauce. Stir everything together until well coated. Top it with 1 cup of shredded cheese, covering the skillet with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and set the oven to broil. Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish your ground beef potato casserole with a sprinkle of cilantro for freshness. Serve this comforting dish warm and watch as it disappears quickly!

Storing & Reheating

Storing your ground beef potato casserole is straightforward. Let it cool down before transferring to an airtight container, where it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to savor it longer, consider freezing it in a dedicated freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until it’s warmed through. You might notice a slight change in texture, but a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating can easily refresh its delightful taste.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy for the best texture.
Be sure to use lean ground beef to maintain flavor without excess grease.
Stirring the ingredients occasionally helps them cook evenly; just don’t overdo it.
Experimenting with different types of cheese can lead to delightful flavor variations.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy nights.

Ground beef potato casserole is truly a wonderful recipe that boasts both comfort and flavor. It’s quick to prepare, has the ability to be personalized to your liking, and above all, it delivers that cozy feeling that only home-cooked meals can provide. Feel free to let your creativity shine; maybe add in some vegetables or switch up the cheese to make it your own. I hope you enjoy every buttery, cheesy bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble everything in your oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great as substitutes for ground beef. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly for different meats.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Adding in vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach can elevate the dish’s nutrition and flavor. Just keep the total volume in mind so it cooks evenly.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven as needed.