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If you’re craving the kind of comfort food that fills your home with warmth and your plate with flavor, this Loaded Potato & Ground Beef Bake is the perfect pick. Packed with crispy roasted potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted layers of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, this easy casserole is the definition of a satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast—simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and loved by everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole brings together the best of both worlds—crispy potatoes and savory ground beef—all topped with melted cheese. Here’s why it’s guaranteed to be a repeat dinner favorite:
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- One-pan convenience: Easy prep, easy cleanup, and all the flavor in one dish.
- Perfect texture: Roasted potatoes stay crispy and golden under layers of gooey cheese.
- Family-approved flavor: Cheesy, hearty, and packed with seasoned beef.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Simple, everyday staples that deliver restaurant-quality comfort.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready for dinner.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what makes this loaded potato casserole so irresistible:
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold): The base of the dish—roasted until golden and slightly crisp for the perfect bite.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior on the potatoes.
- Ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and richness to the bake.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth that balances the beef.
- Garlic: Enhances the flavor profile with a delicious aromatic touch.
- Paprika: Brings mild warmth and color to the dish.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy—perfect for that classic loaded potato taste.
- Monterey Jack or Mozzarella: Melts beautifully, creating a creamy cheese pull with every bite.
- Parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the finished dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together.
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Tips and Tricks for the Best Loaded Potato Bake
- Pre-roast your potatoes: This is the key to avoiding soggy casseroles. Roasting them first ensures a crisp, golden texture that holds up under the cheese and beef.
- Drain the beef: Removing excess grease keeps the dish from becoming oily.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
- Customize the seasoning: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Add toppings: Try adding cooked bacon bits, green onions, or sour cream for that classic “loaded” finish.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is easy to adapt to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:
- Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning to the ground beef and top with jalapeños and salsa for a spicy twist.
- Breakfast Version: Mix in scrambled eggs and serve it as a hearty morning casserole.
- Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra color and nutrition.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with Colby Jack, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for different flavors.
- Lighter Option: Substitute lean turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Pairing Suggestions
This hearty bake pairs perfectly with simple sides for a complete meal:
- Green salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette balance the rich flavors.
- Steamed veggies: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients.
- Garlic bread: Great for scooping up all that cheesy goodness.
- Cold beverages: Iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer pair well with this comfort food classic.
Storage Instructions
This bake keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Popular Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bake up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes give the crispiest texture, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier, buttery bite—both work beautifully.
Can I add bacon?
Definitely! Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top before or after baking for a true “loaded” experience.
How do I know when it’s done?
The cheese should be fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown around the edges.
Loaded Potato & Ground Beef Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and a large baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, toss diced potatoes with olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.
- While the potatoes roast, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the beef and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, paprika, and remaining salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Transfer roasted potatoes into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly on top.
- Sprinkle both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Remove from oven, cool for a few minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- The secret to perfect texture: Always pre-roast the potatoes to remove excess moisture before combining with other ingredients.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the layers and refrigerate; bake just before serving for convenience.
- Double it: This recipe scales easily for larger gatherings—just use a larger dish and adjust baking time slightly.
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