Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a warm, hearty dish that brings together the comforting flavors of ground beef, tender potatoes, and zesty spices in one delightful bite. This casserole is an ideal solution for busy weeknights, offering a delicious meal that your family will adore. The combination of cheesy, gooey goodness and a hint of spice will warm you from the inside out, making it a lovely addition to your recipe repertoire.

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

I first discovered this gem during a potluck several years ago, and it has since won a permanent spot in my weekly rotation. The layered textures of the one-dish bake coupled with its mouthwatering flavors create an experience that’s reminiscent of a warm hug after a long day. Best of all, this Ground Beef Potato Casserole is a terrific make-ahead option, perfect for busy schedules or unexpected guests. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and sure to bring everyone to the table with smiles!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and under an hour in the oven, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve without a fuss.
Irresistible Flavor: Succulent ground beef melds beautifully with tender Yukon Gold potatoes, creating a hearty, flavorful base that enchants your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bubbling cheese and vibrant jalapenos make this casserole as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even brunch, this dish is sure to impress in any setting.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily modify it to be gluten-free by opting for a gluten-free enchilada sauce and topping it with dairy-free cheese for a comforting, allergen-friendly meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil: A nice touch to sauté the beef and veggies, introducing rich flavor. If you’re out, vegetable oil will work.
1 pound lean ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a savory protein base, but ground turkey or chicken could substitute nicely.
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch dice: These golden spuds are creamy and tender when cooked. Substitute with russet potatoes if needed, though they may be starchier.
1/2 cup diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth. Red onion also works if you prefer a milder flavor.
1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced: For a mild kick. Feel free to swap with bell peppers for less heat or jalapeños for more spice.
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste): Essential for elevating all the flavors. If using table salt, reduce the amount by half.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings warmth and earthiness. Paprika can work in its place for a different flavor profile.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: For that authentic southwestern flair. You could experiment with coriander as an alternative.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: An easy way to add garlic flavor without the chopping. Fresh minced garlic is great if you want more intensity.
4 ounces diced green chiles: Adding spice and texture. If you don’t have canned chiles, feel free to use fresh peppers for a kick.
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: For a fresh, herbaceous finish. Substitute with parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan.
15 ounces mild green enchilada sauce: This brings a lovely moisture and flavor base. Look for vegan options, or make your own if preferred.
1 cup shredded cheese (Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Cheddar): Cheese brings a melty, gooey topping that everyone loves. Vegan cheese can replace it for dairy-free needs.

How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step is crucial to ensure your casserole cooks evenly from the get-go.

Cook Ground Beef: Within a large, oven-safe skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high. Add in the 1 pound of lean ground beef. Season it with half of your combined spice mixture—Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and crumbled, showcasing that savory smell. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate for now.

Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, pour in another tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce the heat to medium, and toss in the diced Yukon Gold potatoes, 1/2 cup of diced yellow onion, and the diced poblano pepper. Sprinkle the remaining spice blend over. Cook these for about 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the potatoes become tender. If they start to stick, a couple of tablespoons of water will help.

Mix in Chiles and Cilantro: Once the potatoes are cooked through, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro and the 4 ounces of diced green chiles. This is where your dish begins to gain its personality, as the bright herb and zesty chiles coexist beautifully.

Combine and Bake: Return the ground beef to the skillet along with the 15 ounces of mild green enchilada sauce. Mix everything together, ensuring each ingredient is well-coated in the spicy goodness. Top with 1 cup of shredded cheese, making it a cheesy wonder. Cover the skillet tightly with a piece of foil and pop it into the oven for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil, switch the oven to broil, and watch as the cheese bubbles and darkens in color for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Serve: Once it’s golden-brown and bubbling, take out your masterpiece, garnish with some extra cilantro, and prepare for raves as you serve!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let your Ground Beef Potato Casserole cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a secure, freezer-safe container for a maximum of three months. When reheating, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Just keep in mind, reheating may change the texture slightly, but a sprinkle of cheese on top before warming can refresh the dish beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid browning the potatoes too much while sautéing; you want them tender without a crunchy exterior that won’t cook through in the oven.
For perfect ground beef, don’t overcrowd the pan—ensure it’s loose to promote even cooking.
Incorporate different vegetables into the casserole for added nutrition; bell peppers or spinach blend in nicely.
If your casserole looks too dry when mixing in the enchilada sauce, feel free to add a touch of broth for moisture.
You can prepare this dish ahead of time; simply assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day ready for serving.

Ground Beef Potato Casserole is not just your standard casserole; it’s an opportunity to create something hearty and filling that your loved ones will appreciate. The blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and comforting cheese will make this dish a recurring favorite, and its versatility allows for innovation each time you make it. It’s a dish that welcomes personal touches and spontaneous creativity, letting you customize it to fit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy it hot from the oven or packed as leftovers for lunch—the flavor remains a joy every time!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different meats in this casserole?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives if you’re looking to lighten the dish. For a vegetarian version, consider using crumbled tempeh or lentils for that similar texture and protein content.

What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

If you find yourself without enchilada sauce, a homemade mix of canned tomatoes with spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic can serve as a great substitute. You could also use salsa for a tangy twist!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Sure thing! You can prepare the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for a day. Just add a few extra minutes of baking time when you’re ready to cook it.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

If you crave some extra heat, you can integrate diced jalapeños into the mixture or stir in a dash of hot sauce into the enchilada sauce. Adjust the blend of spices to suit your taste!

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Ground Beef Potato Casserole

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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

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Description

This Ground Beef Potato Casserole features tender Yukon gold potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, making it a perfect comfort food for any quick dinner. Easy to prepare, it’s satisfying and packed with flavor, sure to please everyone at the table.

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

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375° F. In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, crumble it, and season with half of the spice blend. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked, then transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced potatoes, onion, poblano pepper, and the rest of the spice blend. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are tender, stirring frequently. Add a little water if the potatoes start to stick.
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the cilantro and green chiles.
Return the ground beef to the skillet along with the enchilada sauce. Mix well to coat. Top with shredded cheese and cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and set the oven to broil. Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until bubbling and the cheese is browned. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Notes

For a spicier version, include more chili powder or use spicy enchilada sauce.
If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to mix it up with your favorites.