If you’re craving cozy, classic comfort food that brings everyone to the table, this Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe is about to win your heart. Imagine layers of tender potatoes mingling with savory ground beef, all blanketed in a luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce — it’s everything you want on a chilly evening, in one bubbling casserole dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals ahead, this dish hits that perfect sweet spot between simplicity and sheer indulgence. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why this is a recipe I make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe leans on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, but each one plays an essential role. From the nuttiness of cheddar to the silky richness of sour cream, every element works together to build crave-worthy layers of flavor and texture.
- Ground Beef (1 lb, 90% lean): A hearty, flavorful base that adds protein and richness to every bite.
- Yellow Onion (1 medium, diced): Provides sweetness and aroma, rounding out the savory beef.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a gentle punch and depth that makes the casserole tantalizing.
- Russet Potatoes (4 cups, peeled and thinly sliced): These bake up tender and creamy, soaking in all the luscious sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): For that ooey-gooey melt, tangy flavor, and iconic golden topping.
- Milk (1 cup): Thins out the sauce just enough for a silky finish.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): The secret weapon for extra creaminess and just a hint of tang.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Thickens the cheese sauce so it clings to every layer.
- Butter (2 tbsp): For richness and a silky texture in your homemade sauce.
- Salt (1 tsp): Balances flavors and brings out the best in your ingredients.
- Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds gentle warmth and sharpness.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Offers a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Garlic Powder (1/4 tsp): Enhances the overall savoriness for those deep, rounding notes.
- Onion Powder (1/4 tsp): For extra allium flavor layered throughout.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish, optional): A sprinkle of fresh green to brighten up your golden bake.
How to Make Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get things nice and toasty. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned. As soon as the beef is done, drain off any excess fat so your Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe doesn’t turn greasy. This is also when you’ll build the aromatic base by adding the diced onion and garlic, sautéing them with the beef until the onion turns translucent and everything smells irresistibly savory. Set the mixture aside; you’ll be layering this deliciousness soon.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s gently foaming. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly, letting it cook for about one minute — this gets rid of the raw flour taste and forms the base of your sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Lower the heat slightly, then add the sour cream, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Keep whisking and let the sauce bubble gently until it thickens just a bit. It should coat the back of a spoon, setting the stage for ultra-creamy layers.
Step 3: Layer the Potatoes and Beef
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (a light swipe of butter or oil will do wonders for easy cleanup later). Arrange half the potato slices in an even layer on the bottom, ensuring they overlap slightly—this ensures every serving is lusciously tender. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes, then pour over half of the warm, creamy cheese sauce. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, beef, and sauce for hearty, generous layers that make this Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe so satisfying.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top, covering every inch for that gorgeous, golden crust. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to steam and soften, marrying all those flavors together. Remove the foil, then bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is deeply golden and the sauce bubbles enticingly at the edges. A gentle rest of 10 minutes out of the oven ensures the casserole sets perfectly and slices beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the bubbling aroma fills your kitchen and your Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe is golden brown, it’s time for finishing touches. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if you’d like a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve it up hot, and watch every forkful disappear!
How to Serve Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple shower of chopped parsley adds a burst of freshness and color, but you can also finish with sliced scallions for a little zing, a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra warmth, or even crisp cooked bacon bits to take this Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe over the top.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole stands on its own, but I love serving it alongside bright, crunchy green salads or crisp-roasted green beans to bring a bit of freshness to the meal. Warm dinner rolls, steamed broccoli, or even buttery peas make great companions — anything to soak up that luscious sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, scoop the bake into individual ramekins for dinner parties or family gatherings—so everyone gets their own mini Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe. Or, serve generous wedges on a platter and top with a fried egg for a weekend brunch that no one will forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe stores beautifully! Cool leftovers to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors meld fantastically overnight, making each bite even more flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers or prep ahead, let the casserole cool completely, portion it as you like, and wrap well in foil or airtight containers. It’s best enjoyed within two to three months for optimal flavor and texture, making it a fantastic option for make-ahead meal planning.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and bubbling (about 25 to 30 minutes if reheating straight from the fridge). For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave works perfectly. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Yes! While russet potatoes work beautifully thanks to their creamy, starchy texture, Yukon golds are a fantastic substitute that bring a buttery flavor and velvety finish to your Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is a classic for its robust flavor and perfect melting ability, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a creative twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the covered baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Of course! Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach can be layered in with the potatoes and beef for an extra dose of color and nutrition — just be sure to sauté veggies first to prevent excess moisture.
What’s the best way to get perfectly tender potatoes?
Make sure your potato slices are quite thin (about 1/8-inch thick), and layer them evenly. Covering with foil during baking ensures steam works its magic, and letting the dish rest before serving keeps everything beautifully set and tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings smiles to the table and guarantees satisfied bellies, you can’t go wrong with this Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe. It’s hearty, craveworthy, and destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll find a spot in your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Potato Beef Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy family dinner. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce come together to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef, 90% lean
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Potato Layers:
- 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Cheese Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened. Set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, then gradually whisk in milk. Add sour cream, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until thickened.
- Layer Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, layer potatoes, beef mixture, and cheese sauce. Repeat layers and top with shredded cheddar.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper or cooked bacon.
- Yukon gold potatoes can be used instead of russet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of bake
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
