Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a comforting dish that embodies hearty flavors and cozy textures. Picture tender Yukon Gold potatoes layered with seasoned ground beef and topped with melted cheese—who wouldn’t crave a dish like this? This casserole is not only satisfying but also budget-friendly, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply looking to feed your family, this recipe has you covered with its delicious combination of ingredients and warm, inviting aroma.

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

The first time I made this Ground Beef Potato Casserole, it was on a chilly evening when nothing else seemed quite right for dinner. It was a hit, leaving everyone asking for seconds. Perfectly seasoned and baked together until bubbling, this dish makes for an easy cleanup and is always a crowd-pleaser. You have to try it—I promise it will warm your heart as much as your belly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just about an hour, you can whip up this hearty casserole—perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices, ground beef, and creamy cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s downright comforting.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish boasts a golden bubbly cheese top that’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or even meal prep for the week, this casserole fits perfectly.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap in ground turkey or make it vegetarian by using beans and additional veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness and helps prevent sticking during cooking. You can substitute with avocado oil if desired.
1 pound lean ground beef: Choose a leaner cut, like 80/20 or even ground turkey, for a lighter version.
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes: These buttery potatoes hold up well during the cooking process and add creaminess. Substitute with Russet potatoes if needed.
1/2 cup diced yellow onion: Fresh onion adds depth to the flavor profile—onion powder can work in a pinch.
1 poblano pepper: This gives a mild heat and flavor twist. Bell pepper is a suitable substitute.
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances all flavors. Adjust to your taste preferences.
1 teaspoon chili powder: This spice lends a warm bite that elevates the dish.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds an earthy flavor you won’t want to skip!
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Contributes essential garlic flavor; fresh minced garlic can be used for a stronger taste.
4 ounces diced green chiles: Offers a slight kick. If you prefer it less spicy, choose mild chiles.
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Fresh herbs brighten the flavor. You can leave this out if you’re not a fan.
15 ounces mild green enchilada sauce: It’s the star of the show, providing moisture and flavor; use your favorite brand for best results.
1 cup shredded cheese: Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Cheddar all melt beautifully; there’s room for personal preference!

How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F. This ensures even cooking for your casserole.

Cook the Beef: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add in 1 pound of lean ground beef, crumbling it as it cooks. Season with half of your spice blend: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink, then remove it onto a plate.

Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet, turning the heat down to medium. Toss in 1 pound of diced Yukon Gold potatoes, 1/2 cup diced yellow onion, and 1 diced poblano pepper. Sprinkle in the rest of your seasoning blend. Sauté until the potatoes are tender, approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring often. If they start to stick or color too quickly, add a couple of tablespoons of water to help them cook through.

Mix in the Goodies: Once the potatoes are cooked to tender perfection, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro and the 4 ounces of diced green chiles. The fragrant cilantro adds freshness!

Combine Everything: Bring back the cooked ground beef into the skillet and pour in your 15 ounces of mild green enchilada sauce. Stir everything to ensure all ingredients are well-coated with that luscious sauce.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese generously over the top. Cover the skillet tightly with foil to keep moisture in as it bakes.

Bake & Broil: Place your casserole in the preheated oven. Bake covered for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Continue to bake for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned—this gives it that irresistible crispiness!

Storing & Reheating

To store, let your casserole cool at room temperature for no longer than two hours, then cover it and place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with foil for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. The flavor may mellow a bit after freezing, so feel free to sprinkle some fresh cilantro when serving to freshen it up!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your ground beef is well-drained after cooking to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
Cut potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
To save time, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.
Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist every time you make this dish, like adding Pepper Jack for some heat!
If you prefer a crunchier topping, consider broiling it a minute longer, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Ground Beef Potato Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that warms the soul. This recipe combines wholesome ingredients and flavors that resonate with comfort and satisfaction. As you create your casserole, feel free to play around with the spices or add any of your favorite vegetables. Let this dish bring people together at your table, creating cherished memories wrapped in deliciousness. Enjoy every last bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavors. You could also whip up some simple guacamole or salsa for an added zesty kick.

Can I use different meats in this dish?

Certainly! Ground turkey or chicken would work beautifully, or even cook some crumbled sausage for a lovely flavor twist.

What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

No worries! You can substitute with a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies or a homemade tomato sauce for a different flavor profile. Adjust the spices to keep it tasty!

More Main Dishes Recipes

Classic Meatball Casserole

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Ground Beef Potato Casserole

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 47 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

This Ground Beef Potato Casserole stands out with its irresistible flavor and simple preparation. A delightful mix of ground beef, Yukon gold potatoes, and cheese creates an inviting comfort food that’s perfect for quick dinners. Enjoy every bite of this easy, homemade recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound yukon gold potatoes cut into 1/4 inch dice
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1 poblano pepper seeded and diced
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 ounces diced green chiles
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
15 ounces mild green enchilada sauce i use hatch or siete foods
1 cup shredded cheese colby jack, monterey jack or cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375° F. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt together.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, crumble it, and season with half of the spice blend. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and add potatoes, onion, poblano pepper, and the rest of the spice blend. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently until the potatoes are tender. If sticking occurs, add a couple of tablespoons of water as needed.
Once potatoes are tender, mix in cilantro and green chiles.
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, pour in the enchilada sauce, and stir to coat everything. Sprinkle cheese on top and cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and switch oven to broil for an additional 3-5 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is slightly browned. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Notes

Make sure to cut the potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
You can customize the cheese choice based on your preference for extra flavor.
This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick meal.