This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole with Mozzarella is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Featuring layers of tender roasted potatoes, flavorful ground beef (or mushrooms for a vegetarian option), a rich tomato base, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this recipe is pure comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and can be adapted for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main dish or a meal-prep favorite, this casserole checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and satisfaction.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
This casserole requires a few simple steps and bakes up quickly for a comforting and complete meal.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield
Serves 4–6 people as a main dish
Cuisine
This dish is a fusion of Mediterranean and Western comfort food traditions. It uses a base of olive oil, potatoes, and tomato sauce (Mediterranean staples) paired with American-style casserole layering and generous cheese.
Ingredients
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Olive oil (for frying and drizzling)
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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Vegetarian option: 1 lb chopped mushrooms instead of beef
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1 onion, chopped
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1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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1 tsp sweet paprika
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1 tsp thyme
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3 tbsp tomato sauce
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8 oz (220 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
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3 large potatoes, sliced lengthwise
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Chives (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
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Red pepper flakes for heat
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Garlic powder for more depth
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Fresh parsley for added color and flavor
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Ground Beef
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use enough to coat the pan.
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Add the ground beef and sauté for 4–5 minutes until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with chopped mushrooms and cook until golden and tender.
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Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add chopped green bell pepper and sauté for 2–3 more minutes.
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Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, sweet paprika, and thyme. Stir to evenly coat.
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Add the tomato sauce and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the mixture is thick and fragrant.
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Remove from heat and set aside while preparing the potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Slice the potatoes lengthwise into thin slices (about 1/4 inch thick) for even cooking.
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Drizzle with olive oil and toss with a bit of salt to season.
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Arrange the slices on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking dish in a single layer.
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Bake for 25 minutes until tender and just starting to brown at the edges.
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Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly while assembling the casserole.
3. Assemble the Casserole
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Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the baked potato layer.
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Spread the ground beef mixture over the cheese and potato base, pressing gently to flatten.
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Top with the remaining mozzarella, covering the entire surface to ensure a cheesy finish.
4. Bake the Casserole
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Return the dish to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
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Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots forming on top.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
5. Serve
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Garnish with chopped chives or fresh parsley for color and brightness.
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Serve hot, paired with a fresh salad or warm bread if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 420
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Protein: 25g
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Fat: 25g
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 4g
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Sodium: 480mg
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Calcium: 190mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Potato and meat casseroles are traditional in many parts of the world, from Eastern European layered bakes to American-style cheesy casseroles. This version blends the savory comfort of ground beef and potatoes with the cheesy appeal of baked pasta dishes—but skips the pasta for a naturally gluten-free approach.
The growing popularity of one-pan dinners and adaptable, family-friendly meals has made this recipe a standout on cooking blogs and social media. It’s easy, delicious, and makes use of pantry staples, making it perfect for modern home cooks.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Comforting and filling with simple ingredients
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Ready in under an hour
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Great for meal prepping or leftovers
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Naturally gluten-free (no flour or pasta)
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Family- and kid-friendly
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Customizable with vegetables, cheeses, or plant-based options
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Rich and savory without needing cream or heavy sauces
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Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
Health Benefits
While hearty and comforting, this casserole also offers nutritional benefits:
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Ground beef provides high-quality protein and iron
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Potatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C
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Bell peppers and onions add fiber and antioxidants
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Mozzarella gives calcium and protein
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Olive oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
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Spices like paprika and thyme are anti-inflammatory
For a lighter version, you can use lean beef or ground turkey, or go meatless with mushrooms and extra veggies.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad
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Add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side
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Pair with garlic bread or a crusty baguette
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Offer roasted or steamed green beans or broccoli as a side
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Slice leftovers into squares and pack for lunch
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Top with fried eggs for a next-day brunch twist
Cooking Tips
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Slice potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly
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Don’t overcook the beef mixture—keep it slightly moist
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Use fresh mozzarella for better melt and stretch
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Add garlic or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for extra flavor
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Let the casserole rest before slicing—it holds together better
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Bake in a glass or ceramic dish for best results
Variations to Try
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Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes
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Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat
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Add chopped spinach or kale to the meat for extra greens
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Mix in feta or goat cheese for a tangy finish
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Top with crushed tortilla chips before baking for crunch
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Add sliced tomatoes or zucchini between layers
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Use marinara instead of tomato sauce for a more Italian-style dish
Conclusion
Ground Beef and Potato Casserole with Mozzarella is the ultimate combination of cozy, hearty, and cheesy goodness. With layers of baked potato, seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a rich tomato base, this casserole is a no-fail recipe for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week. Adapt it to your dietary preferences, make it meatless, or spice it up—no matter how you prepare it, it’s always delicious. Once you try it, this casserole is sure to become a regular feature on your dinner table.
FAQ
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a delicious substitute and add natural sweetness.
2. Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers or wrap tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese and top with seasoned breadcrumbs.
4. How long does it keep in the fridge?
Up to 4 days. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave.
5. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
6. What other cheese works well in this recipe?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, gouda, or provolone all melt well and taste great.
7. Is there a vegan version?
Yes. Use mushrooms instead of meat, and a vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast.
8. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Zucchini, corn, peas, spinach, or eggplant are great additions.
9. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
10. Can I use store-bought hash browns instead of slicing potatoes?
Yes. Pre-baked or thawed hash browns can be layered and baked the same way.