Name: Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes (thawed); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1/4 cup milk; Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re dreaming of a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that wraps you in pure comfort, the Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe is your new best friend. Classic flavors of ground beef, tender hash brown potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese come together in one bubbling, golden casserole that’s as easy to make as it is to disappear from the dinner table. This dish is all about those simple, hearty ingredients melding into something mouthwatering that you’ll want to put on repeat—weeknight or weekend, rain or shine.

Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how everyday staples turn into something so satisfying here. These ingredients are the backbone of serious flavor, and each one plays a small but mighty role, whether it’s depth, creaminess, or that cheesy finish everyone craves.

Ground Beef: Use lean for less grease, but even regular works since you’ll be draining off any extra fat.
Olive Oil: Just enough to sauté your onion without sticking, and brings a touch of richness.
Yellow Onion: Adds classic savory sweetness—dice it small so it melts into each bite.
Garlic: Those two minced cloves turn up the flavor behind the scenes—don’t skip them!
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential to round out every other flavor in the casserole.
Paprika: Not just for color, it brings a gentle smokiness that makes the Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe extra cozy.
Dried Parsley: A soft herbal background; if you’ve got fresh, chop some for extra pop.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Magic ingredient alert! Creamy, savory, and the secret to luscious texture.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and keeps every bite ultra-smooth and rich.
Frozen Diced Hash Brown Potatoes (thawed): Total time saver and they bake up perfectly tender every time.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The soul of cheesy casseroles—use sharp for extra punch.
Milk: Helps everything come together creamy, not stodgy.
Chopped Green Onions or Parsley (optional): Fresh, colorful, and perfect for garnishing just before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium. Add your diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and fragrant—about two to three minutes. Toss in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about thirty seconds. This short step is where you build that luscious flavor base for the whole Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef right into the skillet with the onions and garlic. As it cooks, break the meat apart with a spoon or spatula so you get nicely crumbled pieces throughout the casserole. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried parsley now for an even distribution of seasoning. Let the meat cook until it’s no longer pink, then drain off any extra fat—this keeps your bake rich, not greasy!

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and one full cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk it all together until you have a dreamy, creamy mixture—this is what keeps every bite moist and flavorful. Stir in the thawed hash brown potatoes and the cooked beef mixture, making sure everything is blended evenly. Each ingredient here is about packing flavor and ensuring that signature creaminess.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grab your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and scoop in the whole mixture, spreading it evenly to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese right over the top. This extra layer will turn into a gooey, golden crust that’s completely irresistible once baked!

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Bake the assembled Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is gorgeously golden. Give it five minutes to rest before serving so it sets up and serves like a dream.

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley right before serving brightens up that cheesy top with a fresh, vibrant note. If you like even more decadence, try a dusting of extra cheddar or a spoonful of sour cream for the ultimate cozy finish.

Side Dishes

The Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe makes a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better alongside a crunchy green salad or some roasted vegetables. The freshness offers a lovely contrast to the rich, creamy casserole, and you can’t go wrong with a simple slice of garlic bread for sopping up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

To really wow your family or guests, try baking individual portions in small ramekins for personal-size comfort food! You can also create layers in a deep soufflé dish for a rustic potluck look, or give it a Tex-Mex vibe by adding a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips and jalapeños on top before baking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe should be cooled completely, then transferred to airtight containers. Store them in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors will deepen and the texture stays creamy!

Freezing

This casserole is a champion in the freezer! Wrap the baked and cooled casserole tightly in foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll last up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, adding a little extra milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, simply reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. A quick zap in the microwave works for single servings—just add a splash of milk to keep everything soft and creamy, then cover to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Absolutely! Cream of cheddar or cream of celery soup both work wonderfully in this Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe, letting you switch up the flavor profile while keeping all the creamy goodness.

Is it possible to use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Fresh potatoes can be used—just peel and finely dice them, then parboil until barely tender before mixing in. It adds a little extra prep time, but the homemade touch is worth it if you prefer!

How can I make this recipe spicier?

For those who like a kick, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture, or top the casserole with sliced jalapeños before baking. Both will add delicious heat to the Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or even spinach mix right in with the potatoes and beef—just add them in with the hash browns for extra nutrition, flavor, and color.

Is the Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate overnight, or even freeze unbaked—then bake fresh when you need a homemade, hassle-free dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something guaranteed to warm hearts and fill bellies, it’s time to give this Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe a spot on your table. It’s one of those dishes that’s just as welcome at Sunday supper as it is for any busy weeknight. Try it once and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!

Cheesy Potato Beef Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Potato Beef Bake is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines seasoned ground beef with creamy mushroom soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection with hash brown potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

For the Casserole:

1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
3 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes (thawed)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/4 cup milk
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook the onion, garlic, and beef until browned. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley.
Prepare the Casserole: Mix soup, sour cream, cheese, and beef with hash browns. Spread in a baking dish.
Bake: Top with cheese and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden.
Serve: Let it rest before serving, garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.