Cheesy Beef Potato Bake

Featured in Tender beef cooked to perfection.

This cheesy bake combines thin potato slices with seasoned beef, a rich mushroom cream sauce, and Colby Jack cheese. Each layer melts into savory goodness, topped with a golden crust that bakes to perfection. The potatoes soak up all the creamy, cheesy flavors, delivering a dish full of pure comfort in every bite.
alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:37:50 GMT
A cheesy baked dish with layers of ground beef and potatoes topped with golden melted cheese. Pin it
A cheesy baked dish with layers of ground beef and potatoes topped with golden melted cheese. | tasteofsavor.com

Get ready for a cozy meal with this cheesy potato and hamburger bake. We're talking layers of soft Yukon gold potatoes, juicy ground beef that's packed with flavor, and gooey Colby Jack cheese all tied together with creamy mushroom soup. This one's a real crowd-pleaser and super easy to whip up for your family or friends. Every bite is warm, comforting goodness!

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 cups freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided): Makes sure every bite is melty and tasty.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: Brings a mild kick and wakes up all the flavors.
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt: Brings everything together so it tastes just right.
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder: Levels up that beefy taste.
  • 1 cup half and half: Makes the sauce rich and creamy.
  • 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup: This is what makes the sauce super creamy and holds the whole thing together.
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic: For that cozy, mouthwatering smell and taste.
  • 1 cup finely diced sweet yellow onion: Adds a hint of sweetness and a little depth.
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef: The heart of the dish, keeps it super filling.
  • 2.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes: Gives the layers a creamy bite and keeps things soft.

VARIATIONS

  • Spicy Boost: Sprinkle some cayenne or throw jalapeños on top for extra heat.
  • Health Kick: Switch out the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter.
  • More Cheesy: Lay on some Monterey Jack or Cheddar along with Colby Jack for super cheesy layers.
  • Add More Veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to change it up and add color.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 9:
When it’s finished, let it rest for 15 minutes before digging in—it will be hot! Call everyone to the table and enjoy those cheesy, warm layers.
Step 8:
Pop the foil off and bake another 20 minutes. Wait 'til the cheese gets bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7:
Keep adding layers—do this two more times so your last layer is topped off with all the leftover Colby Jack.
Step 6:
Layer on a third of the meat mix over potatoes, scatter on ¾ cup cheese, then pour a third of the soup mixture right on top.
Step 5:
Drain the potato slices. Drop about a third of them into the bottom of your greased pan so it covers the whole thing.
Step 4:
Grab a bowl and mix the canned mushroom soup, onion powder, salt, half and half, and pepper till smooth. Set it aside.
Step 3:
Brown your ground beef in a big pot on medium-high heat, tossing in garlic and onions as you go. Break up the beef with a spoon so it cooks evenly. Drain the fat when it's done.
Step 2:
Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish and get it ready.
Step 1:
Cut the Yukon potatoes into thin slices (about ⅛-inch thick). Stick ‘em in water so they don’t brown while you prep everything else.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • This dish is filling enough on its own, but if you want some greens, toss together a salad or steam up some veggies.
  • Got leftovers? Pop them in a sealed container in the fridge and they’ll keep for 3 days. Nuke them in the microwave or throw them in the oven to reheat.
  • If you want to prep ahead, put the casserole together, cover it up, and chill in the fridge for up to a day before baking, or freeze it for 2 months. When you’re ready, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh!

Tips from well-known chefs

  • Chef Rachael Ray: “Craving a crunchy finish? Scatter some herby breadcrumbs over the top about 10 minutes before it’s done!”
  • Chef Ina Garten: “Yukon gold potatoes make this dish extra creamy and balance out all that cheesy meatiness.”
  • Chef Bobby Flay: “Sprinkle a bit more salt and pepper with every layer for flavor from top to bottom. Don’t be shy!”

Cheesy Beef Potato Bake

Layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese make this cheesy bake a comforting meal you'll keep coming back to.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
90 Minutes
Total Time
115 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Beef

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 7 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Roughly 2 pounds of lean ground beef.
02 About 8 to 9 Yukon gold potatoes (2.5 pounds), cleaned well.
03 A cup of finely chopped sweet yellow onions.
04 One tablespoon of minced garlic.
05 One can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup (your favorite brand works).
06 A cup of half-and-half cream.
07 One and a half teaspoons of kosher salt.
08 One tablespoon of onion powder.
09 Freshly cracked black pepper, about a teaspoon.
10 Three cups of Colby jack cheese, grated (divided into ¾ cup, ¾ cup, and 1½ cups).

Instructions

Step 01

Cut the potatoes into thin slices, around ⅛ inch thick. Leave them soaking in water so they don’t turn brown while you work on the other parts.

Step 02

Turn your oven to 350°F and get a 9x13 baking dish ready by coating it lightly with nonstick spray.

Step 03

On medium-high heat, cook the ground beef along with onions and garlic in a big pan or Dutch oven. Stir as it cooks and drain off the extra grease.

Step 04

In a mixing bowl, blend together the mushroom soup, half-and-half, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 05

Pour off the water from the potato slices and start building layers in the baking dish. Add ⅓ of the potato slices first, then ⅓ of the ground beef, ¾ cup of cheese, and ⅓ of the soup mixture.

Step 06

Keep layering in the same way two more times. For the top layer, use the remaining 1½ cups of cheese to finish things off.

Step 07

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake it in the oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Take the foil off, then bake it another 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 08

Let it sit for about 15 minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This gives it time to cool enough to serve.

Notes

  1. This layered dish brings together creamy mushroom sauce, melted cheese, hearty beef, and tender potato slices. Great for casual family meals or gatherings!

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 pan for baking.
  • A medium-sized mixing bowl.
  • Large Dutch oven or pan.
  • Foil to cover the dish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 28 g