With just seven simple ingredients, including frozen hash brown potatoes, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy topping, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and family-approved. It’s reminiscent of a classic shepherd’s pie—but with a delicious shortcut twist that makes it weeknight-friendly.

When it comes to quick and comforting dinners, casseroles always win the prize in my kitchen! This Layered Beef and Potato Casserole is a true family favorite—simple, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.

I’ve been focusing this month on easy, family-budget-friendly dishes! It seems we’re all looking for comforting dishes that come together quickly and don’t put too much strain on the wallet. Casseroles have always been a favorite of mine, and this one is going on the dinner rotation schedule.

This recipe originally hails from the Pillsbury Annual Recipes Cookbook. I’ve taken the liberty to make a few adjustments that fit the birds at my nest better than the original, and I think you’ll like the changes as well.

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• 1 pound ground beef – (at least 80%)
• ½ cup chopped onion or 2 Tablespoons dried onion flakes.
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables – I use the entire package
• 1 jar (12 oz) beef gravy
• ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper
• 1 bag (28 oz) frozen country hash browns, thawed. You can use “O’Brien” with peppers and onions.
• 2 cups shredded Monterey cheese or Cheddar Cheese. You can substitute with Swiss Cheese if preferred.

How to Make Layered Beefy Potato Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large, 10-inch skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked and onions are tender. Drain crumbled, cooked ground beef.

Ground Beef Filling

Stir in mixed vegetables. This is where I took some liberties! I used an entire package of mixed vegetables rather than just two cups. Sneaking in veggies is always a good thing in my book! Right Moms?

Add gravy, salt, and pepper. Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until the vegetables are thawed and mixture is thoroughly heated.

Helpful Tip: If you LOVE gravy, I suggest using a larger 16-ounce jar of beef gravy, rather than the smaller 12-ounce jar.

Layering Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, layer 3 cups, or half the bag, of thawed potatoes and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.

Spoon the ground beef mixture over the cheese and potatoes.

Top with remaining potatoes. Cover with foil.

TIP: If you have enough clearance from the bottom of the foil and the top of the casserole, you can add the cheese before covering with foil. If not, wait and add cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking time.

Bake 55–60 minutes or until bubbly. Remove foil. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.

Sprinkle with paprika or crushed parsley before serving.

Recipe Wrap-Up

With only a handful of ingredients, it comes together in no time, yet tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. The house fills with the aroma of a Sunday pot roast without all the work. A pure comfort dish.

Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy potatoes, and gooey melted cheese make every bite irresistible. It’s like a fuss-free shepherd’s pie with a crispy potato twist! The meat and potato lovers at your nest will enjoy this casserole immensely.

I like to serve this dish with a garden salad and my Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits! It’s a complete meal the entire family will enjoy!

Favorite Family Casseroles

• Chicken Rice Casserole
• Cheesy Taco Rice Casserole
• Chicken Bubble Biscuit Bake
• Poppy Seed Chicken Skillet Casserole
• Easy Tamale Casserole

Comfort food doesn’t get much easier (or tastier) than this! If you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes—easy, affordable, filling, and delicious—this Layered Beef and Potato Casserole is it.

Thanks for visiting my Nest today Friends!

Happy Nesting,

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