Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe

If your idea of comfort food is gooey cheese, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, and hearty ground beef all layered together under a crispy, golden crown, then Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This casserole takes familiar flavors and gives them an utterly craveable twist, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or making Sunday supper extra cozy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake is how easy it is to bring together simple, familiar pantry staples and transform them into something truly special. Each ingredient plays its part to create layers of flavor, color, and that irresistible cheesy pull.

• Ground beef: Provides hearty, savory flavor and makes this casserole ultra-satisfying—choose lean or regular depending on your preference.
• Salt & black pepper: Season the beef for delicious base flavor—don’t skip this step!
• Onion: Gives sweetness and bite that balances out the creamy ingredients; yellow or white onions both work.
• Red and green bell peppers: Add pops of color, gentle sweetness, and just a hint of crunch to every bite.
• Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture softens beautifully and soaks up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Evaporated milk: Makes the sauce silky and rich without being too heavy—plus, it holds up perfectly in the oven.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthy, umami flavor and creaminess to bind the casserole together.
• Cream of chicken soup: Delivers extra savory notes and a luscious, cohesive sauce.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The heart of the “cheesy” appeal—use sharp cheddar for the best flavor and ooze.
• Fried onions: The secret to that irresistible crispy, savory finish on top.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake is how endlessly customizable it is! You can tweak the ingredients or sauce to suit your family’s tastes, or toss in extra veggies and swaps if you need to clean out the fridge.

• Use ground turkey or chicken: Swap the beef for a lighter but equally satisfying twist—especially if you’re looking to cut down on red meat.
• Add more veggies: Toss in frozen peas, corn, or sliced mushrooms for bonus nutrients and color in the layers.
• Spicy kick: Stir a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños into the beef for a zesty, warming touch.
• Try another cheese: Mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack alongside cheddar for a different cheesy spin.

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Give it a quick spray with pan spray—this makes clean-up a breeze and ensures every slice comes out beautifully.

Step 2: Brown the Beef & Sauté Veggies

Add the ground beef to a large skillet and cook it over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces. Once the pink is gone, sprinkle in the salt and pepper, then toss in your diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Let everything cook until the veggies are soft and fragrant, then drain off any extra fat. Turn off the heat and set aside—the kitchen will already smell amazing!

Step 3: Prep the Potatoes

Peel your russet potatoes and slice them as thin as you can (aim for about 1/8-inch thick). Drop them into a big bowl of cold water to keep them from browning while you prep everything else. When you’re ready, drain the slices and pat them dry thoroughly so the casserole doesn’t get watery.

Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup until everything is smooth and combined. This mixture is the secret behind that swoon-worthy, creamy texture in every layer!

Step 5: Layer It All Up

Get ready to build some deliciousness! Spread half of the potato slices across the bottom of your baking dish, followed by half of the beef mixture. Pour on half of your creamy sauce, then sprinkle with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar. Repeat all the layers with the remaining ingredients, and finish by blanketing the top with the last of the cheese and all those crispy fried onions.

Step 6: Bake & Broil

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 75–80 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Uncover and pop under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—just long enough to get the cheese bubbling and the onions gloriously golden.

Step 7: Let It Rest & Serve

This step’s tempting to skip, but don’t! Let your Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake rest for at least 10 minutes. It helps everything set and allows the sauce to get thick and luscious—making it much easier to serve gorgeous, intact squares.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives over your Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake adds a burst of color and a little freshness to balance all that creamy richness—plus, it just looks extra inviting on the dinner table!

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough for a meal on its own, but if you’re in the mood to round it out, serve with a crisp green salad, simple steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli. A basket of fluffy dinner rolls is never a bad idea for mopping up those creamy edges, too!

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake in individual ramekins for a dinner party or potluck—everyone loves getting their own mini casserole! It also makes for an eye-catching family-style dish when cut into neat, square portions and plated with a bright salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake cool completely before covering—then pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors only get better as they mingle!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Either freeze leftovers in individual portions, or assemble the bake ahead, wrap tightly, and freeze (unbaked or baked). Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbling and hot—about 25–30 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works, but finish with a minute under the oven broiler if you want that fresh, crispy topping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about Cheesy Beef and Potato Bake that makes the whole table lean in for seconds—it’s nostalgic, cozy, and jam-packed with flavor in every creamy, cheesy forkful. Trust me, once you try it, it’s bound to become a family tradition. So gather your loved ones and dive in!

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