These Cheesy Baked Potato & Meat Casserole Cups are the ultimate comfort food. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground meat, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese come together in individual baking dishes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Best of all, they take only about 10 minutes to prepare before baking, making them perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy preparation
Rich, cheesy, and satisfying
Perfect for meal prep
Family-friendly comfort food
Great for parties and gatherings
Customizable with your favorite ingredients
Ingredients
For the Potato Layer
4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Meat Layer
1 pound (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce
1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
For the Topping
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
Fresh parsley, chopped
Red pepper flakes
Kitchen Notes
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best.
Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef.
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-packaged cheese.
For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat mixture.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Divide the potatoes evenly among three to four oven-safe baking dishes or ramekins.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Season with paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Cups
Spoon the cooked meat mixture over the potatoes.
Top each dish with a generous layer of tomato sauce.
Cover evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Place the dishes on a baking sheet.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole cups to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheesy casserole cups with:
A crisp green salad
Garlic bread
Roasted vegetables
Steamed broccoli
A simple cucumber salad
Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave until heated through.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Difficulty: Easy
Cheesy Baked Potato & Meat Casserole Cups
