This classic casserole is everything comfort food should be—warm, hearty, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Thinly sliced potatoes melt into a rich, savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, onions, and a velvety mushroom sauce. Topped with bubbling golden cheese, this dish is pure cozy perfection.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a hungry family, this casserole delivers every time. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, big flavor!

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef

• 4–5 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (½ cm or thinner)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional but adds great flavor)

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (9×13 recommended).

2. Cook the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and onions are soft.
Drain excess fat.
Season with:

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

Set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Cream of mushroom soup

• Milk

Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Layer the Casserole

In the baking dish:

Layer 1: Thin layer of sliced potatoes

Layer 2: Half of the beef mixture

Layer 3: 1 cup shredded cheese

Layer 4: Half the soup mixture

Repeat the layers again.

Finish with a final topping of cheddar cheese.

5. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.

Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15–20 more minutes, or until:

• Potatoes are tender

• Cheese is golden and bubbly

6. Rest & Serve

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets nicely.

Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.

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✨ Tips for Best Results

✔ Slice potatoes very thin so they cook evenly
✔ Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor
✔ Use Monterey Jack or Mozzarella for a creamier cheese pull
✔ Add a bit of chili flakes for mild spice
✔ Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken if preferred

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🍽️ What to Serve With It

• Green salad

• Garlic bread

• Roasted veggies

• Steamed broccoli

• Coleslaw

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🔄 Variations

1. Loaded Version

Add:

• Cooked bacon

• Green onions

• Sour cream drizzle

2. Veggie-Heavy

Layer in:

• Carrots

• Spinach

• Zucchini

3. Spicy Version

Add:

• Jalapeños

• Pepper jack cheese

4. Healthy Swap

Use ground turkey instead of beef.

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❓ Related Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can it be frozen?

Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking. Thaw fully before reheating.

3. Can I use canned potatoes?

Yes—great for saving time. Reduce baking time by 15–20 minutes.

4. Why are my potatoes still hard?

They must be sliced thin. Thick slices need longer baking.

5. Can I add cheese inside the layers?

Yes! More cheese = more deliciousness.