If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, look no further than this Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole – Cozy & Simple Dinner Recipe. It’s a deliciously rich and comforting dish that brings together tender ground beef, silky layers of thinly sliced potatoes, and a dreamy, cheesy cream sauce all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a fantastic way to satisfy those comfort food cravings without a complicated process or a pile of messy dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, working together to build a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and that gorgeous golden color on top. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and heartiness—each component is easy to find and essential to the casserole’s soul.
- Ground beef: Provides savory richness and a meaty base that’s full of flavor.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Russet or Yukon gold potatoes: Thin slices create tender, melt-in-your-mouth layers that soak up the creaminess.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Acts as the creamy binder that holds everything together with a hint of earthy umami.
- Whole milk or heavy cream: Boosts the luscious, velvety texture of the sauce.
- Sour cream (optional): For an extra tangy layer of creaminess that elevates the casserole.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to a golden, bubbly crust that adds sharpness and gooey delight.
- Salt, black pepper, and paprika: Seasonings that enhance and brighten the flavors throughout.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshness and color for the perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole – Cozy & Simple Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and brown the beef
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion, adding salt, black pepper, and paprika to create a beautifully seasoned base. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy while still locking in that savory flavor.
Step 2: Mix the creamy sauce
In a medium bowl, blend together the cream of mushroom soup, milk or heavy cream, and sour cream if you’re using it. This mixture is the key to the silky, dreamy sauce that ensures every bite of the casserole is smooth and rich.
Step 3: Layer the casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cooked beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Next, arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer over the beef. This layering method allows the potatoes to absorb all the meaty and creamy goodness baking underneath.
Step 4: Add the creamy sauce and cheese
Pour the creamy mushroom mixture evenly over the potato layer, spreading it gently to cover every slice. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. This cheese layer will melt into a gorgeous golden crust that seals in all the flavors underneath.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes to let the flavors meld and the potatoes soften. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes so the cheese can brown beautifully and become bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make it easier to slice.
How to Serve Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole – Cozy & Simple Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens up this rich casserole perfectly. It adds just the right pop of vibrant color and a hint of herbal freshness that cuts through the creaminess.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables to balance out the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette offer fresh contrast and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family dinner, serve this casserole straight from the dish to showcase that beautiful melted cheese topping. Alternatively, spoon individual portions into mini cast iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins for a cozy, personalized presentation that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, cut into portions and store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through and bubbly again. You can add a sprinkle of extra cheese during reheating to revive the luscious topping if desired.
FAQs
Can I use other kinds of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives that classic sharp flavor, feel free to try mozzarella for meltiness or a smoky gouda for a hint of depth. Mix and match to your liking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the cream of mushroom soup for a dairy-free version and use plant-based milk and sour cream alternatives. Nutritional yeast can replace some of the cheese flavor if desired.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
A thickness of about 1/8 inch is ideal. Thin slices cook evenly within the baking time and absorb the creamy sauce nicely without becoming mushy.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Certainly! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be sautéed with the beef or layered in for extra nutrition and flavor. Just be mindful not to add too much liquid to keep that creamy texture intact.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand?
You can make a quick homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, broth, and milk seasoned with mushrooms or herbs. It takes a few extra minutes but tastes fantastic and is free from canned ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a soul-satisfying dinner that’s straightforward, creamy, and full of flavor, the Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole – Cozy & Simple Dinner Recipe is a definite must-try. It brings warmth and comfort to any table, making weeknights easier and special occasions cozier. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your go-to for those moments when you want a hearty dish with minimal fuss but maximum heart.
Print
Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole – Cozy & Simple Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dinner that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Ground beef is seasoned and layered with thinly sliced potatoes, then baked in a luscious creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese, making it a perfect cozy meal for family nights.
Ingredients
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
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk (or heavy cream), and sour cream. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Layer Beef: Spread the cooked, seasoned ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Potato Layer: Arrange the thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the layer of beef to ensure even cooking.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the creamy mushroom mixture over the potatoes, spreading with a spatula to cover all the slices evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Notes
- Slice potatoes thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, to ensure even and thorough cooking in the casserole.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
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