Ground beef potato casserole combines savory beef, tender potatoes, kidney beans, tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese in one hearty slow-cooker dinner. Everything cooks together until the potatoes become soft and the rich tomato-and-beef mixture develops plenty of comforting flavor.
First, the ground beef is browned with onion and garlic to create a flavorful base. Meanwhile, sliced potatoes are arranged in the slow cooker so they can slowly absorb the seasoned broth and tomato juices.
Next, kidney beans and diced tomatoes add texture, color, and substance. A simple mixture of beef broth, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and black pepper then ties everything together.
Finally, shredded cheddar melts over the hot casserole during the last 10–15 minutes. As a result, this ground beef potato casserole becomes a cheesy, filling meal that works especially well for busy evenings and relaxed family dinners.
Why You Will Love Ground Beef Potato Casserole
For another hearty slow-cooker dinner with beef and potatoes, try our slow cooker mini meatloaves and potatoes recipe.
First, this recipe combines the main dish and several hearty ingredients in one slow cooker. Therefore, you do not need to prepare multiple pans for dinner.
Next, the ground beef is browned before slow cooking. This extra step gives the meat deeper flavor while also allowing excess grease to be drained when necessary.
In addition, kidney beans make the casserole more substantial. They absorb some of the tomato and beef flavor while keeping their own soft, hearty texture.
The potatoes also work especially well in this recipe. As they cook, they become tender while soaking up the seasoned broth surrounding them.
Finally, melted cheddar cheese creates a rich finish. That cheesy top helps turn a simple ground beef potato casserole into especially comforting family food.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Ground Beef Mixture
- Ground beef: 1½ pounds
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Potatoes, Beans and Tomatoes
- Baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes: 1½ pounds, sliced
- Kidney beans: 1 can, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can, 14.5 ounces, with juices
Seasoned Beef Broth
- Beef broth: 1 cup
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
Cheesy Finish
- Cheddar cheese: 1½ cups, shredded
- Fresh parsley: as desired, for garnish
How to Make Ground Beef Potato Casserole
1. Heat the Skillet
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Allow the skillet to become hot before adding the ground beef.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet.
Cook until browned, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Browning the meat before slow cooking creates a richer flavor in the finished casserole.
3. Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the browned beef.
Continue cooking for approximately 2–3 minutes, until the onion begins to soften.
Drain excess grease when necessary.
4. Prepare the Potatoes
Rinse the potatoes and slice them into relatively even pieces.
Try to keep the slices similar in thickness because evenly sized potatoes cook at a more consistent rate.
5. Layer the Potatoes in the Slow Cooker
Arrange the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the slow cooker.
Spread them into an even layer when possible.
Because the potatoes sit near the bottom, they receive plenty of heat and flavorful cooking liquid.
6. Add the Ground Beef Mixture
Spoon the browned ground beef, onion, and garlic over the sliced potatoes.
Spread the meat evenly across the top.
7. Add the Kidney Beans
Drain and rinse the kidney beans.
Add them evenly over the beef mixture.
The beans give this ground beef potato casserole extra texture and make each serving more filling.
8. Add the Diced Tomatoes
Pour the diced tomatoes and their juices into the slow cooker.
Spread them gently across the beef and beans.
9. Prepare the Seasoned Broth
In a small mixing bowl, combine the beef broth and tomato paste.
Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until the tomato paste is incorporated and the seasonings are evenly distributed.
10. Pour the Broth into the Slow Cooker
Pour the seasoned broth mixture evenly over the casserole.
Give the top a gentle stir when needed, but there is no need to completely mix every layer together.
11. Slow Cook the Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Cover the slow cooker securely with the lid.
Cook the ground beef potato casserole on LOW for approximately 6–7 hours.
Alternatively, cook it on HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours.
The casserole is ready for the final step when the potatoes are completely tender and the beef mixture is hot and flavorful.
12. Check the Potatoes
Test one of the thicker potato slices toward the end of the cooking time.
It should be soft and easy to pierce.
Cooking time can vary depending on the slow cooker and the thickness of the potato slices.
13. Add the Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly across the top of the cooked casserole.
Cover the slow cooker again.
14. Melt the Cheese
Allow the casserole to sit covered for approximately 10–15 minutes.
During this time, the cheddar should melt completely into a soft, cheesy topping.
15. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the melted cheese when desired.
Spoon the hot casserole into serving bowls or onto plates.
Serve immediately while the potatoes are tender and the cheddar is warm and melted.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Cut the potatoes evenly. This is one of the most important steps because very thick slices can take considerably longer to soften.
Brown the ground beef first. Although it requires an extra skillet, browning develops more flavor before the meat enters the slow cooker.
Drain excess grease when needed. This keeps the finished casserole from becoming unnecessarily oily.
Do not skip the tomato paste. The tablespoon of tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor to the broth.
Use freshly shredded cheddar when possible. It melts beautifully over the hot casserole.
Check the potatoes near the end. Slow cookers vary, so the tenderness of the potatoes is the best indicator.
Taste before adding more salt. Beef broth, cheddar, canned tomatoes, and beans can already contribute sodium.
Best Potatoes for Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Baby potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes are especially suitable for the original recipe.
Both become tender while still holding their shape reasonably well during slow cooking.
Russet potatoes can also be used. However, they generally soften more and may break apart more easily.
Regardless of the variety, consistent slicing is important. Therefore, try to avoid mixing very thin and very thick pieces in the same casserole.
Why Kidney Beans Work in This Casserole
Kidney beans add both texture and substance to the beef and potato mixture.
During slow cooking, they absorb some of the savory tomato-and-beef flavor around them.
Because they are already cooked before going into the slow cooker, they only need time to heat through and combine with the other ingredients.
Make sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them, exactly as directed in the recipe.
How to Get a Perfect Cheesy Top
Add the cheddar only after the main slow-cooking period has finished.
Sprinkle the cheese evenly rather than concentrating it in one area.
Then cover the slow cooker for another 10–15 minutes.
The trapped heat gently melts the cheddar without requiring another cooking method.
Freshly shredded cheese is especially useful when you want a smooth, evenly melted layer.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Potato Casserole
This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a complete dinner on its own.
However, a simple green salad creates a fresh contrast to the beef, potatoes, and cheese.
Steamed broccoli is another easy side option.
Roasted green beans also work well alongside the rich casserole.
For an even more comforting meal, serve crusty bread on the side.
A spoonful of sour cream can add a creamy finish, while fresh parsley or green onions provide extra freshness.
Ground Beef Potato Casserole Variations
Make it spicy. Add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder.
Change the beans. Black beans or pinto beans can replace the kidney beans.
Add more vegetables. Bell peppers, corn, carrots, or mushrooms can provide additional color and texture.
Try another cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend can replace the cheddar.
Make it creamier. Stir in a small amount of cream cheese toward the end of cooking before adding the shredded cheese.
Preparing Ground Beef Potato Casserole Ahead
Several components can be prepared in advance.
First, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic.
After cooling, transfer the beef mixture to a covered container and refrigerate it.
The vegetables can also be prepared ahead and stored separately.
When ready to cook, assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and follow the original cooking directions.
How to Store Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to airtight containers.
Refrigerate the casserole and enjoy it within approximately 3–4 days.
The beef, beans, potatoes, tomato mixture, and cheese can all be stored together.
How to Reheat Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave until heated through.
For larger portions, gently reheat the casserole in the oven.
Keep an eye on the cheese and potatoes so the casserole warms without drying excessively.
Ground Beef Potato Casserole FAQs
Can I Use Yukon Gold Potatoes?
Yes. Yukon Gold potatoes are specifically recommended in the original recipe.
They become tender while generally holding their shape well during slow cooking.
Can I Use Baby Potatoes?
Yes. Baby potatoes are another recommended choice.
Slice them into evenly sized pieces before layering them in the slow cooker.
Can I Use Russet Potatoes?
Yes. Russet potatoes can work, although they tend to become softer and may break apart more easily.
Do I Have to Brown the Ground Beef?
The supplied recipe recommends browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
This step creates deeper flavor and also allows excess grease to be drained when necessary.
Can I Use Another Type of Bean?
Yes. Black beans or pinto beans are listed as possible alternatives to kidney beans.
Can I Cook the Casserole on High?
Yes. Cook it on HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours.
Alternatively, use LOW for approximately 6–7 hours.
When Should I Add the Cheese?
Add the shredded cheddar after the potatoes and beef mixture have finished cooking.
Cover the slow cooker for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese melts completely.
How Long Will Leftovers Keep?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator and enjoy them within approximately 3–4 days.
Ground Beef Potato Casserole Recipe Details
Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
LOW Cooking Time: Approximately 6–7 hours
HIGH Cooking Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Cheese Melting Time: Approximately 10–15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 6½–7½ hours, as stated in the original recipe
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American-inspired
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Ground Beef Potato Casserole Nutrition
The following approximate values are based on six servings:
Calories: Approximately 485 kcal
Protein: Approximately 31 grams
Total Fat: Approximately 25 grams
Saturated Fat: Approximately 11 grams
Carbohydrates: Approximately 39 grams
Fiber: Approximately 7 grams
Sugars: Approximately 7 grams
Sodium: Approximately 850 milligrams
Calcium: Approximately 285 milligrams
Iron: Approximately 5 milligrams
The exact nutrition will vary according to the ground beef, broth, beans, tomatoes, cheddar, and other specific products used.
Final Thoughts on Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Ground beef potato casserole combines savory beef, tender potatoes, kidney beans, tomatoes, seasonings, and melted cheddar in one cozy slow-cooker meal.
Moreover, most of the cooking happens without active attention. Once the beef has been browned and the ingredients are layered, the slow cooker handles the rest.
Finish the casserole with a generous layer of melted cheddar and fresh parsley, then serve it hot for an easy, hearty family dinner.
