Name: Cheesy Beef & Frozen Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 cups frozen diced potatoes; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes

This Cheesy Beef & Frozen Potato Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: hearty, easy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor. Imagine layers of golden, crispy frozen potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and creamy, melted cheese coming together in a bubbling hot dish that fills the whole house with an irresistible aroma. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without a single complaint.

What makes this casserole so special is how little effort it takes to pull off such big flavor. Frozen diced or shredded potatoes cut your prep time dramatically, while ground beef provides rich savoriness that pairs perfectly with creamy soups and gooey cheddar. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or need a dish to take to a potluck, this one gets high marks for both convenience and taste.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef & Frozen Potato Casserole

You’ll love how versatile this recipe is. It adapts to what you have on hand—ground turkey, different cheese blends, or even a veggie version with mushrooms or beans. The frozen potatoes stay firm yet fluffy and soak up the flavor from the beef and sauce. Plus, everything bakes in one pan, which means fewer dishes.

Kids eat it up, grown-ups ask for seconds, and leftovers? They might not even make it to the next day. It’s classic comfort food with a modern shortcut twist.

Can I Use Tater Tots or Hash Browns Instead of Diced Potatoes?

Absolutely. That’s part of the beauty of this dish. You can use diced hash browns, shredded hash browns, or even tater tots. Tater tots give you a crispier top layer, while shredded potatoes blend more into the cheesy texture. No need to thaw them first, just toss them in and bake.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Beef & Frozen Potato Casserole

This casserole keeps it simple with staple ingredients that come together for rich, savory comfort. Each one brings something essential to the table—flavor, texture, or creamy goodness.

Ground beef
Frozen diced potatoes
Cream of mushroom soup
Sour cream
Cheddar cheese
Onion
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Butter

How To Make the Cheesy Beef & Frozen Potato Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in the cooked beef and onion mixture.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the frozen diced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Pour the beef mixture over the potatoes and spread it out. Top with the remaining cheese and dot with small cubes of butter.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Beef & Frozen Potato Casserole

This dish is a full meal on its own but also plays well with simple sides. It feeds about 6 to 8 people, depending on portions. Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set. The leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in portions for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

What to Serve With Cheesy Beef & Frozen Potato Casserole?

Garlic Bread

A side of warm, crispy garlic bread helps mop up the cheesy sauce and adds some crunch.

Green Beans Almondine

The freshness and crunch of green beans contrast nicely with the creamy casserole.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

A cool, tangy cucumber salad adds brightness to balance the richness.

Coleslaw

Crisp and tangy coleslaw refreshes the palate between hearty bites.

Roasted Broccoli

Simple roasted broccoli brings in some greens and a little char for flavor depth.

Mixed Greens Salad

A fresh salad with a vinaigrette adds a light contrast.

Pickled Beets

For something sweet-tart and earthy, pickled beets cut through the richness nicely.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Extra umami? Yes, please. Mushrooms are a great match for beef and potatoes.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you can’t get enough cheesy casseroles, here are some recipes you should definitely try next:

White Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a Tex-Mex spin with creamy spice.
Chicken Biscuit Casserole when you’re craving cozy and comforting.
Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole to turn pizza night into a fun, baked dish.
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole for something hearty with veggies baked right in.
No Peek Chicken Casserole when you want a set-it-and-forget-it dinner.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again on busy nights.

Tried it? Let me know how it went! Did you use tots or shredded hash browns? Add any extras like bacon or jalapeños?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your spin on it.

Explore more cozy dinner casseroles and comfort meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dinner idea.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef & Frozen Potato Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With everyday ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a bubbling, golden-brown casserole ready to feed a crowd or fuel up for the week. Whether it becomes a weeknight staple or your go-to potluck star, this dish delivers the kind of warm, cheesy satisfaction we all crave.