There is something irresistibly comforting about a warm, cheesy bake loaded with tender potatoes and savory meat. This Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe combines simple ingredients in layers of flavor and texture that come together beautifully in the oven. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of seasoned ground beef, soft potatoes, and creamy melted cheese, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites to share and savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this delightful casserole only requires a handful of kitchen staples, each chosen to boost the dish’s rich flavor and hearty texture. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, where every ingredient plays a crucial role in making the casserole so satisfying.
- 1 lb ground beef: The base of the casserole providing savory richness and protein.
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes: These soften perfectly while baking, offering comforting heft.
- 1 cup onion, chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth when browned with the beef.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar: Melts to a golden blanket that brings gooey cheesiness to every bite.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a creamy binder that keeps everything moist.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef along with the chopped onions. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions become translucent, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy while preserving flavor.
Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Beef
In a greased casserole dish, arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer. Next, add half of the cooked beef and onion mixture on top. Repeat this layering with the remaining potatoes and beef. This method ensures each bite has a perfect balance of hearty meat and tender potatoes.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Soup
Pour the entire can of cream of mushroom soup evenly over the layered potatoes and beef. This soup acts like a luscious, savory sauce that keeps the casserole moist while baking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Bake and Add Cheese
Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375 °F for 50 minutes. Once the potatoes are tender and the beef is savory and cooked through, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
How to Serve Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkling of fresh parsley or a light dusting of paprika over the bubbling cheese adds a pop of color and enticing aroma. These little touches make the casserole feel extra special on the plate and bring out the warmth of the ingredients.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed seasonal vegetables. Lightly dressed greens offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole, creating a balanced meal everyone will enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets to keep everyone’s portion hot and personalized. Alternatively, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of pickled jalapeños to introduce a tangy, creamy, or spicy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the flavors fresh, let the casserole cool completely before covering it to avoid condensation that can make the potatoes soggy.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. After baking and cooling, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350 °F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. To keep the cheese from drying out, you can add a few drops of water over the casserole before reheating and cover it loosely with foil.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for this recipe, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for gooey stretchiness, pepper jack for a spicy twist, or even Swiss for a nuttier flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before baking. Just cover it well and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready, adding a bit of extra time if baking straight from the fridge.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing before baking?
You can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it as directed, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw overnight and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Definitely. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup work well and will alter the flavor slightly. For a dairy-free option, try a homemade creamy vegetable sauce instead.
What can I add to make the dish more vegetable-heavy?
Adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture before layering can boost the veggie content without taking away from the hearty charm of the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s straightforward to prepare, satisfying to eat, and perfect for sharing around the dinner table. Give it a try tonight—you might just find your new comfort food favorite!
Print
Hearty Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A hearty and savory casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 cup onion, chopped
Dairy and Canned Goods
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (about 10.5 oz)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat carefully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). In a casserole dish, place half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Add half of the cooked beef and onion mixture on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and beef.
- Add the Soup: Pour the can of cream of mushroom soup evenly over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes covered, allowing the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Add a sprinkle of paprika or fresh parsley before serving for extra color and flavor.
- Ensure to slice potatoes thinly for even cooking within the 1-hour bake time.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner / Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
