Ground Beef And Potato Bake

Name: Ground Beef And Potato Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Home Ideas

I absolutely love this Ground Beef And Potato Bake because it's one of those comforting dishes that makes the whole house smell incredible. The rich blend of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes creates a hearty meal that everyone enjoys. I often make this on busy weeknights when I'm short on time, yet want to serve something that feels special. It’s a go-to for my family gatherings, and the leftovers, if there are any, are even better the next day!

Created by

Adriana Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-02-27T13:54:39.252Z

When I first experimented with this Ground Beef And Potato Bake, I wanted to combine flavors that would complement each other beautifully. The secret lies in the way I season the beef—using a mixture of garlic, onion, and a touch of paprika adds depth and warmth. Every time I serve this dish, I get comments on how the flavors meld together perfectly, creating a savory experience that’s hard to beat.

It's particularly handy for weeknight dinners, and what's great is that I can prep everything in one pan! I usually bake it until the potatoes are crispy on top, which adds a delightful contrast to the creamy beef mixture underneath. This method not only saves cleanup time but also ensures that each bite is a fantastic combination of textures.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and filling, perfect for family dinners
Simple ingredients that come together beautifully
Great for meal prep and leftovers taste fantastic

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to a delicious Ground Beef And Potato Bake lies in the quality of your ingredients. Choosing fresh, starchy potatoes like Russets helps ensure that they become tender and absorb the flavors of the beef and seasonings during baking. Fresh garlic and onion are crucial for building a solid flavor base; consider using sweet onions to add a hint of natural sweetness that balances the dish's savory profile. You can also replace ground beef with ground turkey or even lentils for a meatless version, but be mindful of adjusting seasonings appropriately.

Beef broth is an essential component that not only adds moisture but also imparts a rich, savory depth to the dish. Opt for low-sodium broth to better control the salt levels in your meal. If you're looking for a shortcut, store-bought broth works great, but homemade broth can take this dish to another level. You can prepare your broth ahead of time and ensure it's full of robust flavor by simmering beef bones with herbs and spices. This preparation enhances the overall taste and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Baking Techniques for Best Results

When layering your bake, it’s crucial to arrange the ingredients correctly for even cooking. Start with a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish, which will create a nice base that absorbs flavors and moisture from the beef. The beef mixture should then go on top, followed by another layer of potatoes to lock in the juices. If you opt to include cheese, sprinkle it generously over the final layer to form a beautiful, melty crust filled with flavor. I usually use shredded cheddar or a blend for a rich topping.

Baking this dish in a covered manner for the first 30 minutes helps steam the potatoes, making them tender. After removing the foil, baking uncovered allows for a delightful browning process that enhances the dish's presentation. If you're uncertain whether the potatoes are cooked through, use a fork to check; they should be tender but not mushy, with edges slightly crisped. For a quicker fix, you can parboil the potatoes in advance, reducing overall baking time by up to 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a wholesome meal:

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Ground Beef And Potato Bake:

Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Brown the beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add the aromatics

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef in the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.

Season and combine

Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper, then add the beef broth. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Layer the ingredients

In a baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes, followed by the beef mixture, and top with cheese if desired.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the potatoes are golden.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty dish!

This bake can be customized with your favorite vegetables as well.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixture.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning a busy week, this Ground Beef And Potato Bake can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble the dish as instructed, then cover it with foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, ensuring it heats thoroughly throughout.

Leftovers are a delight and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes well; cut into portions and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Ground Beef And Potato Bake with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the dish. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving for added freshness and presentation.

You can also customize the serving style by turning this bake into a filling for wraps or tacos. Just use the beef and potato filling as a delicious inside for tortillas, adding toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or avocado. This variation can add a fun twist to your meal and make it appealing for those looking for something different.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be a delicious alternative, adding a slightly sweet flavor.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure to cover it well.

→ What can I serve with it?

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

→ How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use lean ground beef or turkey, and add more vegetables for extra nutrition.