3-Ingredient Beef Cheddar Potato Casserole
When you’re craving a warm, hearty, and comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen,
this 3-Ingredient Beef Cheddar Potato Casserole is the answer. It’s unbelievably simple,
requires only everyday ingredients, and still delivers that full, cozy flavor everyone loves.
This recipe has become a weeknight staple for busy families, students, and anyone who loves
easy dump-and-bake meals. With tender seasoned beef, gooey melted cheddar cheese, and crispy
golden potatoes, this dish checks all the comfort-food boxes.
Whether you need a last-minute dinner or want a no-fuss dish for potlucks, this casserole
never disappoints. Best of all, you can easily dress it up with spices, veggies, or sauces.
But even with just three ingredients, it tastes amazing as is!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Frozen hash brown potatoes | 1 package (about 20 oz) |
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Cook the Beef
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned.
Use a spatula to break it into small crumbles as it cooks.
When finished, drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Transfer the cooked and drained ground beef into a large mixing bowl.
Add the frozen hash brown potatoes (no need to thaw them first) along with
the shredded cheddar cheese.
Use a large spoon to mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
At this point, the mixture may look simple, but once it bakes, the cheese melts beautifully,
the potatoes soften and crisp around the edges, and the beef enhances the rich, savory flavor.
This combination is what makes the casserole so comforting with just minimal effort.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Lightly grease a baking dish (9×9 or 9×13 both work).
Pour the beef–potato–cheddar mixture into the dish and spread it evenly using a spatula.
Make sure to smooth out the top so it bakes uniformly.
If you like extra cheese (and who doesn’t?), sprinkle a bit more cheddar on the top before baking.
This creates a golden, bubbly crust that adds wonderful texture and flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is melted,
bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
The potatoes should be cooked through and tender, while the cheese binds everything into one
deliciously cohesive casserole.
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This makes slicing easier
and helps the flavors settle.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish is proof that comfort food doesn’t need long ingredient lists or complicated steps.
Each of the three components plays a key role:
- Ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, gooey layer that brings everything together.
- Hash brown potatoes: Provide texture, volume, and satisfying comfort.
Together, they create a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a family on a budget.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is delicious on its own, but if you want to create a complete meal, try pairing it with:
- A crisp green salad with ranch or vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or broccoli for balance
- Warm dinner rolls or cornbread
- A dollop of sour cream on top (optional but amazing!)
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a comforting weekend meal, this simple casserole delivers big flavor without the hassle.
Delicious Variations
Even though this dish only requires three essential ingredients, you can easily customize it to create fun flavor twists:
- Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheesier Version: Mix cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a melty blend.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in frozen peas, corn, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers.
- Creamier Texture: Add ½ cup of sour cream or cream of chicken soup.
- Crunchy Topping: Top with crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions before baking.
These additions can elevate the casserole while keeping preparation incredibly easy.
Storage & Reheating
One of the best parts of this recipe is how well it stores and reheats. Perfect for meal prep!
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual servings.
The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as good—if not better!
Why People Love This Recipe
This dish has become a viral favorite for several reasons:
- Requires only 3 simple ingredients
- Budget-friendly and family-approved
- No complicated steps or long prep time
- Perfect as a main dish or a hearty side
- Great for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping
The simplicity of the recipe makes it truly timeless—just mix, bake, and enjoy a filling, comforting meal.
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If you’re searching for the easiest comfort food dinner that your family will request again and again, this
3-Ingredient Beef Cheddar Potato Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s simple, delicious,
and guaranteed to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
Save this recipe, share it with friends, or pin it for later—this is one casserole you’ll want to make again and again!