Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a comforting dish that has all the flavors of a classic family meal wrapped into one easy-to-assemble, hearty casserole. The tender, sautéed potatoes blend perfectly with the savory ground beef and vibrant vegetables. Each bite is a wonderful mix of textures and tastes, making it a favorite that satisfies on chilly evenings or busy weeknights.

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

This recipe brings the warmth of home cooking right to your kitchen. It’s an uncomplicated way to feed a hungry crowd without spending endless hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, which always makes my heart sing. You can easily throw it together with just a few affordable ingredients, and it comes together in under an hour. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Takes only 10 minutes to prep and 47 minutes to cook, perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: Savory ground beef combined with spices and creamy cheese creates a delightful taste sensation.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Layers of colorful ingredients topped with bubbling cheese make it look as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep—it’s versatile enough for any occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customizable to fit dietary needs—consider switching out the beef for turkey or adding more veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil: This oil helps sauté the beef and vegetables while adding healthy fats to the dish.
1 pound lean ground beef: The meaty base of the casserole. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter option.
1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch dice: These potatoes hold their shape well and are creamy when cooked, adding a comforting texture.
1/2 cup diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and aroma as it cooks down.
1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced: Brings a mild heat and vibrant color; you can substitute with a green bell pepper if preferred.
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste: Essential for enhancing flavors—adjust based on personal preference.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a warm, rich flavor; feel free to use a spicier version for more kick.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: This spice gives the dish an earthy tone that perfectly complements the beef.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A dash of garlic flavor without the chopping mess!
4 ounces diced green chiles: Provides a zesty punch and depth to the casserole.
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh note to balance the warm flavors; you can omit it if cilantro isn’t your favorite.
15 ounces mild green enchilada sauce: This sauce brings moisture and flavor that ties everything together.
1 cup shredded cheese: Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or cheddar provides that melty goodness on top. Choose your favorite blend!

How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Preheat the oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 375° F. This ensures that when you’re ready to bake, the heat is just right for our casserole.

Cook the ground beef: In a large oven-safe skillet, add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium-high. Then, crumble in the 1 pound of lean ground beef. Season it with half of your spice blend, which includes 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is thoroughly cooked. Once it’s browned and crumbled, transfer it to a plate.

Sauté vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the diced Yukon gold potatoes, 1/2 cup of yellow onion, and 1 diced poblano pepper along with the rest of the spice blend. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently until the potatoes are tender. If they start sticking too much, add a couple of tablespoons of water to help them along.

Mix in chiles and cilantro: When your potatoes are just about tender, fold in the 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro and 4 ounces of diced green chiles. Stir well to combine all those fresh flavors.

Combine and bake: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and pour in the 15 ounces of mild green enchilada sauce. Stir to make sure everything is coated beautifully. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top, then cover the skillet with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and switch to the broiler setting for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.

Serve and garnish: Once it’s bubbling deliciously, take it out of the oven, garnish with more cilantro if you like, and serve it up hot. Get ready for the compliments!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for a few hours but should be refrigerated if you’re leaving it longer than that. In the fridge, it’ll last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Wrapped tightly, it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Just keep in mind that the texture might change a bit, but a sprinkle of fresh cheese can refresh that delightful gooeyness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when sautéing. This ensures even cooking and browning.
If you want to enhance flavors, sauté your onions until they’re caramelized before adding in the other vegetables.
Timing is key! Make sure your potatoes are tender before combining them with the enchilada sauce to ensure even cooking.
Consider adding more veggies like corn or black beans for richer texture and flavor.
If you’re a fan of spice, try using hot enchilada sauce instead of mild for an extra kick!
This casserole can easily be prepared ahead of time—the flavors often taste even better the next day!

Ground Beef Potato Casserole is your go-to dish for easy, filling meals. With its layers of flavors and textures, this comforting meal is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe that invites your personal touch. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out new ingredients, you can make it your own. So gather your ingredients, and let the delightful aromas fill your kitchen. Enjoy sharing this comforting dish with family and friends!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook it, just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes since it will be starting from a colder temperature.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to use any cheese you like. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack will work beautifully. Mixing a couple of cheeses can add depth to the flavor.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No problem! You can cook everything in a regular skillet and then transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking. Just ensure your baking dish can accommodate all the ingredients comfortably.

How do I customize this recipe?

You can easily modify this recipe by switching up the vegetables, like adding zucchini or bell peppers, or using different sauces. You could even swap out the beef for shredded chicken or ground turkey for a lighter version. This recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your tastes!

More Main Dishes Recipes

Classic Meatball Casserole

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Ground Beef Potato Casserole

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

This Ground Beef Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food, featuring flavorful seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy, hearty meal ideal for any occasion.

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
1 cup shredded cheese colby jack, monterey jack or cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, crumbling it and seasoning with half the spice blend. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, then remove from skillet.
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook potatoes, onion, and poblano pepper with the rest of the spice blend for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently. If sticking occurs, add water as needed.
Once potatoes are tender, stir in cilantro and green chiles.
Return cooked beef to skillet with enchilada sauce, mixing until everything is well-coated. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover with foil, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil, switch to broil, and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden brown. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Notes

For a spicier version, add more chili powder or use hot green chiles.
Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish.
Use your favorite type of cheese for a different flavor profile.