Name: Cheesy Bacon Beef Potato Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 box Scalloped potatoes (including sauce/seasoning packet) (20–22 oz box); 1 lb Ground beef (browned); 1 medium Onion (diced); 1 can Cream of potato soup (10.5 oz); 1 pack Bacon (cooked until crispy and chopped, 12 oz); 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite shredded cheese); Salt (to taste); Black pepper (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder (optional); Sauce ingredients from scalloped potato box (prepare according to package instructions; typically milk and butter as directed); 1/4 cup Chopped fresh parsley (or sliced green onions, optional garnish)

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Creamy, juicy, and ridiculously comforting, this Cheesy Bacon Beef Potato Bake is the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out. With layers of tender scalloped potatoes, savory seasoned beef, crispy bits of bacon, and a blanket of melted cheese, every forkful is pure comfort. Fun fact: casseroles like this became weeknight heroes in the 1950s when convenience mixes and canned soups helped busy families put dinner on the table fast.

This recipe is special because it balances speed and comfort—simple prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, and a result that feels like a celebration. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, hearty potlucks, or when you want to impress with minimal effort. If you love skillet-style loaded potato dishes like this one, you might also enjoy exploring similar twists like air fryer cheesy bacon potato skins for a crispy appetizer. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and fall in love with a casserole that’s as easy as it is flavorful.

What is Cheesy Bacon Beef Potato Bake?

What’s in a name? Cheesy Bacon Beef Potato Bake is exactly what it sounds like: layers of scalloped potatoes, seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and lots of cheese all baked until bubbly. Who named it? Maybe an overworked home cook who had leftover potatoes and bacon and asked, why not? Can a dish be both humble and heavenly? Absolutely. After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” This casserole might not be a romance novel, but it’s a delicious love letter to comfort food. Try it and see why everyone calls it a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This

Main highlight: A perfect harmony of textures and flavors — creamy scalloped potatoes, juicy seasoned beef, crunchy bacon, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite hits savory, creamy, and crispy notes.
Cost-saving benefits: Uses budget-friendly staples like ground beef, boxed scalloped potatoes, and canned soup. You can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Flavorful toppings: Crispy bacon and plenty of shredded cheese elevate simple ingredients into something special. Add green onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to boost aroma and color.

If you enjoy a loaded, cozy bake, this shares comforting DNA with other favorites like baked potato casserole with bacon, but it’s quicker thanks to the boxed scalloped potatoes and canned soup. Don’t wait—make this at home tonight and savor the warmth.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This Cheesy Bacon Beef Potato Bake comes together quickly with minimal steps: brown the beef and onion, mix with cream of potato soup, layer over boxed scalloped potatoes, pour the prepared sauce, and bake. The standout elements are the creamy sauce and the crispy bacon finish. Preparation time is about 15–20 minutes; baking time is about 35 minutes total. Total time: roughly 50–55 minutes.

Ingredients

1 box scalloped potatoes (including sauce/seasoning packet), 20–22 oz box
1 lb ground beef, browned
1 medium onion, diced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of potato soup
1 pack (12 oz) bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite shredded cheese)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Sauce ingredients from scalloped potato box (prepare according to package instructions; typically milk and butter as directed)
Optional garnish: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop and set aside.
In the same skillet, brown 1 lb ground beef with the diced onion over medium-high heat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Cook until beef is no longer pink and onions are softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef and onions with 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of potato soup. Stir until evenly mixed.
Spread the contents of 1 box scalloped potatoes evenly in the prepared 13×9-inch baking dish.
Prepare the sauce from the scalloped potato package according to the package instructions (usually by mixing the sauce packet with milk and melted butter). Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the scalloped potatoes.
Spoon the beef and soup mixture over the potatoes and spread it out into an even layer.
Drizzle any remaining prepared sauce over the top so the casserole is evenly sauced.
Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes to heat through and set.
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the cooked bacon pieces and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting, cheesy feast!

Cheesy Bacon Beef Potato Bake

What to Serve With

A bright, crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Steamed or roasted green beans or broccoli for a fresh vegetable side.
Pickles or a simple vinegar-based coleslaw for a tangy contrast.
Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to scoop up every cheesy bite.
For drinks, try iced tea, a light beer, or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing balance.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use full-fat shredded cheese for the best melt and creamy texture; mix cheddar with Monterey Jack for extra stretch.
Brown the beef well and drain but don’t over-drain—leave a bit of fat for flavor.
If you prefer less sodium, use low-sodium soup and reduce added salt.
Make ahead: Assemble the bake up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning.
Common mistake: Overcooking the potatoes. Follow package times and check for tenderness so they don’t turn mushy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Cool completely, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before the final cheese topping. Assemble up to step 8, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking; then add bacon and cheese and bake as directed.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave (2–3 minutes, stirring halfway) or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15–20 minutes, then uncover to crisp the top for 5–10 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Swap regular ground beef for lean ground turkey or 93% lean ground beef, use reduced-fat cheese, and choose a low-sodium cream soup to cut calories and sodium.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of a box of scalloped potatoes?
Yes. Thinly slice Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes and layer them with a homemade creamy sauce. Increase baking time to about 45–60 minutes, covered then uncovered, until potatoes are tender.

Is it okay to skip the bacon?
Absolutely. You can omit bacon or replace it with cooked diced ham or vegetarian bacon for a meat-free crunch.

Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Yes. Fold in cooked vegetables like peas, corn, or sauteed mushrooms with the beef mixture for added nutrition and color.

What size baking dish do I need?
Use a 13×9-inch (3-quart) baking dish for even layering and proper cooking depth. A slightly smaller or larger dish will change the bake time slightly.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Bacon Beef Potato Bake is a weeknight winner—simple to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly comforting. It brings together pantry staples in a way that feels special yet familiar, making it ideal for feeding family and friends without fuss. If you loved this dish and want more cozy, beef-and-potato inspiration, check out this similar option, Cheesy Beef & Potato Casserole – Homemade on a Weeknight, or this skillet-style twist, Loaded Ground Beef and Potatoes Skillet – Kinda Healthy Recipes. Give this casserole a try, share it with loved ones, and come back to tell me how it turned out—there’s nothing better than comfort food that brings people together.