Ever have one of those evenings where you’re craving something hearty and comforting, but the thought of spending hours in the kitchen just isn’t appealing? I was in that exact spot last week, staring into my fridge and pantry, trying to piece together a meal that would satisfy everyone without a fuss.
That’s when I pulled together this Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Casserole with Veggies—it’s become my go-to for a cozy, all-in-one dinner that’s both filling and straightforward to make. If you enjoy this style of meal, you should definitely try our Ultimate Ground Beef & Potato Casserole for another comforting variation.
What I love about this dish is how it brings together familiar ingredients in a way that feels special. The potatoes get tender and soak up all the savory flavors from the beef and veggies, while the cheese on top turns golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma and has everyone gathering around the table eagerly. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can tweak the veggies based on what you have on hand, making it a reliable staple for any season.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Category: Dinner
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
What You’ll Need
When I’m gathering equipment for this recipe, I like to think about what makes the process smoother. From experience, using a large skillet for browning the beef and a 9×13-inch baking dish ensures everything cooks evenly without overcrowding. If you have a mandoline slicer, it’s a game-changer for slicing potatoes thinly and uniformly, but a sharp knife works just fine if you take your time. I’ve found that having these tools ready helps the whole thing come together without any last-minute scrambling.
Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Casserole with Veggies Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Casserole with Veggies Recipe!
Nutrition Information
You’ll need basic kitchen gear like a mixing bowl, measuring cups, and a spatula. Nothing fancy—just reliable items that help layer the ingredients efficiently so you can focus on enjoying the process.
INGREDIENTS
One thing I’ve learned is that prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking makes a world of difference. I usually set everything out on the counter, which not only speeds things up but also lets me appreciate the vibrant colors of the fresh veggies. It’s a simple ritual that turns cooking into a calming, almost meditative experience, especially on busy days.
- 1 lb ground beef (I prefer 85% lean for better flavor)
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Yukon Gold work wonderfully)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
PREPARATION
A common mistake I see is rushing the browning step—if the beef isn’t properly cooked, it can release excess grease into the casserole. Take your time here, breaking it up into small crumbles until it’s nicely browned. This builds a solid flavor foundation that makes the whole dish shine, and you’ll notice how it pays off in every bite. For another hands-off dinner option, check out our Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice that’s perfect for busy days.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 8–10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes, carrots, corn, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil until everything is evenly coated.
- Layer half of the potato mixture in the bottom of the baking dish, followed by all of the beef mixture. Top with the remaining potatoes and veggies.
- Pour the beef broth evenly over the top, then cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Customization Ideas
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. If you’re looking to mix things up, try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist. I’ve even used sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for a slightly sweeter note—it’s a hit with the kids. The key is to keep the liquid ratios similar so everything cooks through properly.
Make-Ahead Tips
For those extra-busy days, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate, then add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time since it’ll be going in cold. I often do this on Sunday afternoons, and it makes weeknight dinners feel effortless. You’ll appreciate having a ready-to-bake meal waiting for you. And if you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner, don’t miss our decadent Double Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh veggies work great—just chop them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. I’ve used fresh corn off the cob and diced bell peppers with fantastic results.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. For already baked portions, reheat from frozen, covered, adding extra time as needed.
Conclusion
This Loaded Ground Beef & Potato Casserole with Veggies is more than just a meal—it’s a reliable comfort that brings everyone together. Whether you’re new to casseroles or a seasoned pro, I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your dinner rotation. Give it a try and share your experience in the comments; I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
