Potato Casserole – Cozy & Simple Dinner Recipe
A hearty and comforting one-pot beef and potato casserole that combines browned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. This cozy dinner is easy to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and garnished with fresh parsley for a tasty and satisfying meal.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Potato Layer
- 2 cups thinly sliced russet or Yukon gold potatoes
Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Topping and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the casserole bakes evenly.
- Brown Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or heavy cream), and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
- Layer Beef: Spread the cooked and seasoned ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base layer.
- Add Potato Layer: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the beef layer, making sure to cover the beef completely.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the creamy mushroom sauce over the potato layer, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to coat all the potatoes.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a rich, cheesy crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- If preferred, omit sour cream for a lighter casserole.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture or russet potatoes for a firmer bite.
- Letting the casserole rest helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
- To make it lower in fat, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef casserole, potato casserole, one-pot dinner, creamy beef bake, easy casserole, comfort food, ground beef recipe