Ground beef potato casserole is a classic comfort dish that combines hearty layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and a cheesy topping—all baked to perfection in your oven. The creamy green enchilada sauce adds a burst of flavor, making each serving a delightful experience for the senses. Every bite offers a wonderful contrast between the savory beef, creamy cheese, and the slight crispness of the potatoes. It’s the type of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

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 distinctly remember the first time I made this dish for friends on a cozy night in. As I pulled it out of the oven, my kitchen was filled with an aromatic blend of spices, and the sight of bubbling cheese was enough to make everyone’s mouths water. The recipe is not only easy to whip up, but it’s also budget-friendly—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Trust me, once you try this ground beef potato casserole, it will become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in under an hour, including prep time, making it perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices, beef, and creamy sauce creates a flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it for dinner, leftovers for lunch, or serve it at a casual gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can easily be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil: This healthy fat is essential for sautéing the ground beef and vegetables, adding depth of flavor.
1 pound lean ground beef: Look for lean beef to cut down fat but keep it juicy. Ground turkey or chicken can be a great alternative.
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch dice: These potatoes are creamy when cooked, offering a wonderful texture. You can substitute with russet potatoes if needed.
1/2 cup diced yellow onion: Adds an aromatic sweetness and depth to the dish; shallots can also work well.
1 poblano pepper, seeded and diced: Adds a mild, smoky flavor. Substitute with bell peppers for a more kid-friendly option.
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of all ingredients. Adjust according to taste.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Provides warmth without too much heat; you can use smoked chili powder for added flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: The earthy flavor complements the beef perfectly. Omit if you’re not a fan of cumin.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for seasoning; fresh minced garlic can also be an option for a more robust flavor.
4 ounces diced green chiles: Offers a zesty kick; feel free to adjust depending on your spice preference.
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: Fresh herbs brighten the dish; parsley serves as a great substitute.
15 ounces mild green enchilada sauce: This adds moisture and flavor; homemade sauce can elevate the dish even more.
1 cup shredded cheese (Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or cheddar): Choose your favorite cheese for that glorious melty topping.

How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375° F. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.

Cook the beef: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add in 1 pound of lean ground beef, crumbling it as you season with half of the combined spice blend of 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 browned and cooked through, then transfer it to a plate.

Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and lower the heat to medium. Toss in the 1 pound of diced Yukon Gold potatoes, 1/2 cup of diced yellow onion, and 1 diced poblano pepper. Sprinkle in the rest of the spice blend and sauté for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently. If the potatoes begin to stick, add a splash of water to prevent burning.

Combine the ingredients: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro and the 4 ounces of diced green chiles. Mix everything well and return the cooked ground beef to the skillet.

Add the enchilada sauce: Pour in 15 ounces of mild green enchilada sauce and stir until everything is well combined and coated in the sauce.

Cheese it up and bake: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and begins to turn golden brown.

Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle a bit more fresh cilantro on top to add a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!

Storing & Reheating

You can store the ground beef potato casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the fridge; it’ll last for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for later, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake in a 350° F oven for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You might find the texture changes slightly, but a quick refresh with a sprinkle of cheese while reheating will restore its deliciousness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

A common mistake is overcooking the beef; just cook it until it’s browned for the best texture.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. It helps everything set for easier serving.
If you want added richness, try stirring in a dollop of sour cream right before serving.
Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste; add more chili powder for heat or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth.
This dish can be prepped ahead of time by assembling it the night before and baking it the next day.

Ground beef potato casserole is not just a meal but an experience—a chance to gather around the table and enjoy something warm and satisfying. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavors that everyone will love.

Every time you make this dish, there’s room for creativity and personal flair—whether you swap vegetables, experiment with cheeses, or enjoy it alongside a fresh salad. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and give this delightful recipe a try. Enjoy the warmth and happiness that comes from sharing a homemade meal!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can layer all the ingredients in your skillet and cover it tightly with foil. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking it. When ready to eat, bake as directed, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I substitute for the green enchilada sauce?

If you don’t have green enchilada sauce on hand, you could use salsa verde for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, a homemade sauce using pureed tomatillos and spices could also work well.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even diced steak could be delicious alternatives. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked through properly.

How can I reheat leftovers?

Reheat the casserole in an oven at 350° F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat, as it may dry out.

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: Peter
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 features a hearty mix of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese. A satisfying dish perfect for family dinners, it’s both delicious and easy to prepare.

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 i use hatch or siete foods
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. In a small bowl, mix together 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 mix. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, then transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, reduce heat to medium, and add the diced potatoes, onion, poblano pepper, and the rest of the spice mix. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes become tender, adding water if they start to stick or brown too fast.
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the cilantro and green chiles.
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and add the enchilada sauce. Mix well to coat, then top with shredded cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the foil, switch the oven to broil, and bake for another 3-5 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding black olives on top before broiling.
You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn.