Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

This hearty casserole is pure comfort food! Layers of creamy potatoes, savory seasoned ground beef, and plenty of melted cheese come together in one bubbling, golden-brown dish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and delicious enough for the whole family to ask for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Potatoes

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Beef Filling

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

For the Topping

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the potatoes:
   Place the sliced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, just until slightly tender. Drain well.
2. Cook the beef:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Add the garlic, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.
4. Make the creamy mixture:
   In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the casserole:
   Lightly grease a deep baking dish. Arrange a layer of potatoes on the bottom. Spread some of the creamy mixture over the potatoes, followed by a layer of the seasoned ground beef.
6. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with the beef and creamy mixture.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top.
8. Bake:
   Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden.
9. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop.

Serving Tip

Serve this warm with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side dish. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory beef, and golden melted cheese makes every bite incredibly satisfying!