Baked Potato Casserole with Ground Meat, Tomato, and Cheese

This comforting Baked Potato Casserole with Ground Meat and Cheese is the perfect weeknight meal—simple to prepare, rich in flavor, and universally loved. Featuring layers of tender sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a savory tomato-based sauce, all baked under a blanket of melty cheese and herbs, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s a complete, oven-baked meal that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum satisfaction with every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for the family, preparing make-ahead meals, or hosting a casual dinner, this hearty casserole checks all the boxes for convenience, nutrition, and comfort.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

• 400 g ground meat (beef or a mix of beef and pork)

• 3 large potatoes

• 1 onion

• 1 tomato

• 2 tbsp tomato sauce

• 50 g butter

• Fresh dill, chopped

• 100 g cheese (50 g layered, 50 g topping)

• Salt, pepper, coriander, herbs, dried garlic to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables
   Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes into thin rounds or half-moons. Dice the onion and tomato finely. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).

2. Season the Ground Meat
   In a bowl, combine the ground meat with half the diced onion. Add salt, pepper, coriander, dried garlic, and any dried herbs you prefer. Mix thoroughly so the flavors evenly coat the meat.

3. Layer the Casserole
   Grease a baking dish with a bit of butter. Start with a layer of potato slices at the bottom. Sprinkle with salt, then add a layer of the seasoned ground meat mixture. Top with some of the remaining onion and chopped tomato.

4. Add Tomato Sauce
   Drizzle a couple of tablespoons of tomato sauce over the top to add depth and moisture. Continue layering until all ingredients are used.

5. Dot with Butter and Cheese
   Slice the butter and distribute it over the surface of the dish. Sprinkle the first 50 g of cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake the Casserole
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

7. Add Final Cheese Layer
   Remove the dish, sprinkle the remaining 50 g of cheese on top, and return it to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.

8. Garnish and Serve
   Once baked, sprinkle freshly chopped dill on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~480 kcal

• Protein: ~26g

• Fat: ~30g

• Carbohydrates: ~28g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sugar: ~4g

• Sodium: ~720mg

• Calcium: ~180mg

• Iron: ~2.5mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

This potato casserole is inspired by traditional Eastern European and German meat-and-potato dishes. Popular across homes in Germany, Russia, and Central Europe, such layered oven meals have long been comfort staples. Known for their affordability, hearty texture, and warming qualities, these casseroles have evolved with regional flavors. Today, variations are found worldwide, reflecting local ingredients and seasonings.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan convenience: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance and reheat.

• Rich in flavor: A balanced combination of creamy potatoes, savory meat, and cheesy topping.

• Customizable: Add more vegetables or spices to match your taste.

Health Benefits

• High in protein: Thanks to the ground meat, this dish supports muscle growth and repair.

• Potatoes provide potassium: Great for regulating blood pressure.

• Tomatoes and onions: Full of antioxidants like lycopene and quercetin.

• Cheese and dill: Offer calcium and digestive support respectively.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad or vinegar-based coleslaw for freshness.

• Add a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy contrast.

• Serve with pickles or sauerkraut to add acidity and balance the richness.

• A side of crusty bread or garlic toast makes it a complete, satisfying meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping seasoning: Undersalting layers can result in bland flavor. Season each component.

• Thick potato slices: Keep slices thin to ensure they cook evenly.

• Using lean meat only: A mix with some fat content keeps the dish juicy.

• Overbaking: Check at the 30-minute mark to avoid drying it out.

Pairing Recommendations

• Beverages: Light red wines like Pinot Noir, or dark lager beers work beautifully.

• Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or steamed green beans are great additions.

• Sauces: Garlic yogurt sauce, mustard cream, or horseradish aioli are flavorful sides.

Cooking Tips

• Use a mandoline for even potato slices to speed up prep.

• Let the casserole rest before serving—it helps retain structure and improves flavor.

• Double the batch for meal prep—this dish stores and reheats very well.

• Use smoked paprika for an added layer of flavor in the meat seasoning.

• Add a splash of cream or broth between layers if you prefer a softer, saucier version.

Similar Recipes to Try

• Shepherd’s Pie with mashed potato topping

• Moussaka with eggplant and béchamel

• German Kartoffelauflauf with bacon and sour cream

• Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake

• Stuffed Bell Peppers with Meat and Rice

Variations to Try

• Add mushrooms or grated zucchini between layers for extra moisture and nutrition.

• Swap beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more colorful twist.

• Make it vegetarian with lentils and extra vegetables in place of meat.

• Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for an added crispy finish.

Ingredient Spotlight: Shafts of Flavor from Dill

Dill is an unsung hero in this dish. Added after baking, it brings brightness and a fresh herbaceous layer that lifts the entire meal. Common in Eastern European cooking, dill pairs well with potatoes, butter, and cheese, making it a natural choice for this casserole. It also aids digestion and adds a nutritional antioxidant boost.

Conclusion

This Baked Potato Casserole with Ground Meat and Cheese is everything comfort food should be—warm, satisfying, and full of nostalgic charm. It’s a dish built on simple, honest ingredients, yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor when done right. With its cheesy topping, aromatic dill finish, and juicy meat-and-potato layers, it’s a meal that brings people together. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

FAQ

1. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, after baking and cooling, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. What type of cheese works best?
A mix of mozzarella for melt and cheddar for flavor is ideal. You can also use gouda or Emmental.

4. Can I use pre-cooked meat?
Yes, but reduce the baking time slightly and ensure the meat is well-seasoned.

5. What’s a good vegetarian substitution for meat?
Lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative work well.

6. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, but drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the dish.

7. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

8. Can I add eggs to the mixture?
Yes, mixing an egg with the meat can help bind it and create a denser layer.

9. What herbs work well besides dill?
Parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be used, but dill offers the most traditional flavor.

10. Why didn’t my potatoes cook through?
Slices may have been too thick or the oven too cool. Always test doneness before removing from the oven.