Ground Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole

Few things are more comforting than a bubbling casserole coming out of the oven with layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This Ground Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole brings all those cozy flavors together in one easy and satisfying dinner.

Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with savory ground beef and a rich, creamy sauce before being baked until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. The result is a hearty meal that feels like classic comfort food but is simple enough for a busy weeknight.

Whether you’re feeding the family, preparing dinner ahead of time, or looking for a budget-friendly meal, this casserole is a delicious choice. Serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole

• Comforting and filling: Potatoes and ground beef make a hearty combination.
• Creamy and cheesy: A rich sauce and melted cheese bring everything together.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients that can feed the whole family.
• Easy to customize: Add vegetables, change the cheese, or adjust the seasonings.
• Great for leftovers: It reheats well and makes an easy next-day lunch.
• Perfect for family dinners: Familiar flavors make this a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4–5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley
• Sliced green onions
• Extra shredded cheddar
• Crumbled cooked bacon

How to Make Ground Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Wash and peel the potatoes if desired. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice them thinly and evenly, approximately 1/8 inch thick.

Keeping the slices uniform is important because it helps the potatoes cook at the same rate.

Set the potatoes aside while you prepare the beef and sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.

Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it cooks.

Once the beef is browned and the onion is soft, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Season the beef with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and remove from the heat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute. This creates the base for the creamy sauce.

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Add the beef broth and continue cooking for about 4–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon.

Season with a little salt and black pepper.

Remove the sauce from the heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the dish.

Season the potatoes lightly with salt and pepper.

Spread approximately half of the seasoned ground beef over the potatoes.

Pour some of the creamy sauce over the beef and potatoes.

Sprinkle a portion of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.

Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, ground beef, sauce, and cheese.

Finish with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50–55 minutes.

Keeping the casserole covered during the first part of baking allows steam to build up, helping the potatoes cook until tender.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Carefully remove the foil.

Return the casserole to the oven and continue baking uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

If you want a deeper golden crust, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch it carefully because the cheese can brown quickly.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for approximately 10–15 minutes before serving.

This short resting period allows the creamy sauce to thicken slightly and makes the casserole much easier to portion.

Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired.

Tips for the Best Scalloped Potato Casserole

Slice the Potatoes Thinly

The potatoes need to be thin enough to become tender during baking. Aim for roughly 1/8-inch slices and keep them as consistent as possible.

Don’t Rush the Sauce

Allow the milk and flour mixture enough time to thicken. A properly thickened sauce will create a creamy casserole instead of a watery one.

Season Each Layer

Potatoes can absorb a lot of seasoning, so lightly seasoning them before layering helps ensure every bite is flavorful.

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties and gives the casserole a creamier finish.

Let It Rest

Cutting into the casserole immediately after it comes out of the oven can make the sauce run. Give it at least 10 minutes to settle.

Easy Variations

Add Vegetables

Add sliced mushrooms, peas, corn, diced carrots, or chopped bell peppers to the beef mixture.

Make It Spicy

Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or pepper Jack cheese for a little heat.

Change the Cheese

Try Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, Gouda, or pepper Jack instead of cheddar.

Add Bacon

Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef, potatoes, and cheese.

Use Ground Turkey

Ground turkey can easily replace the beef if you prefer a lighter variation.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but fresh and simple sides make the meal even better.

Serve it with:

• Green salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted green beans
• Glazed carrots
• Peas
• Corn
• Dinner rolls
• Garlic bread

A crisp green salad with a light dressing is especially good alongside the rich and creamy casserole.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.

Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place larger portions in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

If the casserole seems dry when reheating, add a small splash of milk or beef broth.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, although the texture of the potatoes may become slightly softer after freezing.

Cool the casserole completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to 2–3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven until thoroughly hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What potatoes are best for scalloped potatoes?

Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes both work well. Russets become soft and tender, while Yukon Gold potatoes have a naturally creamy texture and hold their shape nicely.

Do I need to boil the potatoes first?

No. Thinly sliced potatoes can cook directly in the casserole. Covering the dish during the first part of baking helps them steam and become tender.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Since it will be cold, you may need to add a little extra baking time.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Insert a thin knife or fork into the center of the casserole. It should slide easily through the potato slices without resistance.

Why is my casserole watery?

The sauce may not have been thickened enough, or the casserole may not have baked uncovered long enough. Allowing it to rest after baking also helps the sauce set.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole is a delicious combination of everything you want in a comforting homemade dinner. Tender layers of potatoes, flavorful ground beef, creamy sauce, and golden melted cheese create a meal that is warm, filling, and incredibly satisfying.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight but comforting enough for a Sunday family dinner. You can also customize it with vegetables, different cheeses, bacon, or a little spice to make it your own.

Serve it with a simple green salad or your favorite roasted vegetables, and you’ll have a complete meal that is sure to become a regular favorite at the dinner table.