Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you craving something hearty, comforting, and downright delicious? Look no further! Today, I’m sharing my secret recipe for the Best Ground Beef Potato Bake that’s sure to become a family favorite. This dish is perfect for those cozy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s loaded with flavorful layers of tender beef, creamy potatoes, and cheesy goodness that everyone will love. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for quick family dinners that are both satisfying and flavorful.
- An easy pasta recipe alternative that’s just as comforting.
- Ready in under 45 minutes—great for those 30-minute meals we all need.
- Customizable to your taste with optional ingredients like milk and fresh herbs.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinner ideas or special occasions.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Ground Beef Potato Bake. Don’t worry, most of these are probably already in your pantry!
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s break this down into simple steps so you can enjoy this creamy, cheesy masterpiece in no time.
- Prep the Oven and Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice those potatoes super thin—about ¼-inch thick. Thin slices are key for that tender, almost mashed potato texture we all love.
- Cook the Beef and Onions: In a pan, heat up some olive oil over medium heat. Add those finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, then add the ground beef. Season with Italian blend seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned with no pink left.
- Layer It Up: Lightly grease your baking dish. Start with a layer of potatoes, then half the beef mixture, and half the shredded cheddar. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheddar on top. Drizzle with beef broth and a splash of milk if you’re feeling extra creamy.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle on some Parmesan, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let It Rest: Once out of the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tricks to make this Ground Beef Potato Bake even better:
- Thin Potato Slices: Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly thin potatoes every time.
- Extra Creamy: Add that optional milk for a creamier texture you’ll obsess over.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick if you dare!
How to Serve
This bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas to make it extra special:
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced dinner.
- Add some crusty garlic bread on the side for dipping in those juices.
- Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra tangy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Need to plan ahead? You can assemble this bake up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Leftovers? Let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
And there you have it—your new go-to recipe for those cozy nights in! If you loved this, be sure to check out my other easy recipes like How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes and How to Make Ground Beef and Sweet Potatoes Skillet. Happy cooking, everyone!
Ground Beef Potato Bake
Ingredients
- 4–5 medium potatoes sliced super thin
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup milk optional
- ½ cup Parmesan grated
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- Salt and black pepper as needed
- 1 teaspoon Italian blend seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika powder
- Fresh parsley for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice potatoes thinly, about ¼-inch thick.
- Cook onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add ground beef, season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Layer half the potatoes, half the beef mixture, and half the cheddar in a baking dish. Repeat layers.
- Pour beef broth (and milk if using) over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake for 10 more minutes until golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.
