Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is the ultimate comfort classic—simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy golden topping creates a dish that’s both filling and satisfying. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like vegetables or different cheeses.
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Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole: A Hearty, Classic Family Favorite
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Chicken Lasagna Soup has all the cozy comfort of lasagna in a bowl — tender chicken, creamy tomato broth, lasagna noodles, and gooey melted cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for chilly nights or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and marinara sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Add broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- Return cooked chicken to the pot and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses together.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, add an extra handful of noodles or reduce the broth slightly.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time — just add it in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make it spicy by adding a bit more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it sits — add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef (80/20)
Provides hearty flavor and richness—the base of the casserole.
Yellow Onion (Diced)
Adds sweetness and aroma to the beef mixture.
Garlic (Minced)
Enhances the savory flavor and adds depth.
Potatoes (Thinly Sliced, Russet or Yukon Gold)
Tender, buttery, and the perfect layering element.
Butter
Used for cooking and adding richness to the creamy sauce.
All-Purpose Flour
Helps thicken the sauce into a smooth, velvety consistency.
Milk or Half-and-Half
Creates the creamy base for the casserole.
Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy topping.
Salt, Pepper, and Paprika
Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
Parsley or Green Onions (Optional)
For garnish and freshness before serving.
Optional Add-Ins:
Peas, corn, mushrooms, or cooked bacon for extra heartiness.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. - Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir and cook for another minute. - Prepare the Cream Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. - Assemble the Casserole:
Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes, then drizzle some of the cream sauce on top. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, beef, and sauce. - Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top layer. Cover the dish with foil. - Bake:
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese. - Serve:
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes total—20 minutes prep time and 55 minutes baking time.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave for a quick meal. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Cheesy Bacon Beef Casserole
Add cooked bacon crumbles between the layers for a smoky twist.
Tex-Mex Style
Season the beef with taco seasoning and add corn, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
Mushroom and Onion Casserole
Add sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions for a rich, earthy flavor.
Loaded Potato Casserole
Top with sour cream, green onions, and extra cheddar for a baked potato-inspired meal.
Cream of Mushroom Shortcut
Replace the homemade sauce with a can of cream of mushroom soup for convenience.
Vegetable Medley Version
Add frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots for extra color and nutrition.
Ground Turkey or Chicken Swap
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that’s still hearty.
Sweet Potato Variation
Use thinly sliced sweet potatoes for a subtly sweet and wholesome twist.
Extra Cheesy Deluxe
Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan for ultra-cheesy comfort.
Spicy Kick
Add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or leftover potatoes?
Yes, just reduce the baking time by 10–15 minutes since the potatoes are already cooked.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—assemble it up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes! Layer them straight from the freezer for a quicker version.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Make sure there’s enough sauce between layers and cover with foil during most of the baking.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Yes, for an extra rich and indulgent flavor.
Can I skip the cheese?
You can, but it adds great texture and flavor—try using nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
A green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli balance the richness perfectly.
Can I add eggs to make it breakfast-style?
Yes, whisked eggs can be added between layers for a breakfast casserole twist.
Can I use leftover meatloaf instead of ground beef?
Yes, crumble it into the dish—it adds extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Potatoes Casserole is the definition of homestyle comfort—rich, creamy, and wonderfully filling. With layers of tender potatoes, savory beef, and golden melted cheese, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s simple to make, easy to adapt, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a make-ahead dinner, this classic casserole delivers timeless flavor and cozy satisfaction every single time.
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