Ever have one of those evenings when you need a comforting, hearty meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? I was in that exact spot last week, staring into my fridge and pantry, trying to piece together something satisfying without a complicated recipe. That’s when I threw together this Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Bake – Family-Style, and it instantly became a new favorite. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with a cozy aroma and brings everyone to the table with smiles.
What I love about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into a complete, comforting meal. You get tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and a cheesy topping that’s golden and bubbly straight from the oven. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re feeding a crowd, and the best part is that it comes together with minimal fuss. If you’re looking for an easy casserole recipe that delivers on flavor and comfort, you’ve found it.
Around here, we appreciate meals that are both delicious and practical. This ground beef potato casserole checks all the boxes—it’s filling, family-friendly, and makes fantastic leftovers. I’ve tweaked the seasonings over time to get that perfect balance, and I’m excited to share my version with you. Let’s dive into the details so you can whip up this satisfying dish in your own kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Category: Dinner
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
What You’ll Need
When I’m gathering equipment for this recipe, I stick to basics to keep things simple. From experience, using a large skillet for browning the beef and a 9×13-inch baking dish works best for even cooking. If you have a mandoline, it makes slicing the potatoes a breeze, but a sharp knife does the job too. I often use non-stick spray on the baking dish to prevent sticking, and having aluminum foil handy helps trap steam for tender potatoes.
You’ll need standard kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and a spatula. I prefer a cast-iron skillet if I’m browning the beef for extra flavor, but any sturdy pan will do. One thing to note: a box grater is useful if you’re shredding your own cheese, which I recommend for better meltiness. Overall, this dish doesn’t require fancy gadgets—just reliable basics that make prep efficient.
INGREDIENTS
I remember one time I rushed the prep and ended up with unevenly cooked potatoes—lesson learned! Now, I take a few extra minutes to slice everything uniformly, which makes a huge difference. The scents of browning beef and onions mingling in the pan always remind me of cozy family dinners growing up, and that’s part of the joy of cooking this.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
PREPARATION
If you’re new to casseroles, don’t sweat the small stuff—this recipe is forgiving. I’ve found that the key is not to overcook the beef initially, as it will bake further. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender and the top is golden. A tip I’ve learned: let it rest for few minutes after baking so the flavors meld beautifully. For another simple one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights, try our One-Pan Honey BBQ Chicken & Rice.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and minced garlic, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned; season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, top with the beef mixture, then layer the remaining potatoes.
- Pour 1 cup beef broth evenly over the layers, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, spread 1/2 cup sour cream over the top, and sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
Customization Ideas
One of the beauties of this dish is how adaptable it is. I’ve swapped in sweet potatoes when I had them on hand, and it added a lovely sweetness that balanced the savory beef. If you’re looking to boost veggies, try adding a layer of spinach or diced bell peppers—they blend in seamlessly. For a spicier kick, a dash of cayenne or some diced jalapeños works wonders. What makes this special is that you can tailor it to your family’s tastes without complicating the process.
Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Bake – Family-Style Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Bake – Family-Style Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Make-Ahead Tips
Busy schedules mean I often prep parts of this recipe in advance. You can brown the beef and slice the potatoes a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. When ready, just assemble and bake—it might need a few extra minutes in the oven if starting cold. I’ve also frozen assembled unbaked casseroles; wrap tightly and bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time. It’s a lifesaver for hectic weeks.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty on its own, but I like to pair it with a simple side salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal. In my house, we often enjoy it with a dollop of extra sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions on top. If you have leftovers, they reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, making for easy lunches the next day. The creamy texture and rich flavors seem to get even better after sitting overnight. For a lighter option, you might enjoy our quick and easy avocado toast as a side.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well in this Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Bake – Family-Style; just adjust slicing for even cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely—assemble without baking, freeze, and bake from frozen, adding extra time until hot and bubbly.
Conclusion
This Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Bake – Family-Style is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable way to bring comfort to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’s sure to become a go-to in your rotation. Give it a try and share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! And if you’re craving something sweet after dinner, don’t forget to check out our decadent marshmallow brownies.
