Quick & Hearty Beef and Potato Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Dive into a beef and potato bake, a culinary embrace that converts simple ingredients into a soul-warming symphony.

Layers of robust meat intertwine with earthy tubers, creating a harmonious blend of textures and rich, deep flavors.

Hearty and unpretentious, this casserole speaks to comfort food lovers seeking a reliable, satisfying meal.

Home cooks adore its straightforward preparation and minimal cleanup requirements.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of tender proteins and creamy starch, perfectly seasoned to tantalize your taste buds.

The dish effortlessly balances nutrition and indulgence, making it a go-to option for busy families and weekend gatherings.

Prepare to elevate your dinner routine with this classic comfort classic.

Beef and Potato Bake: A Hearty, Comforting Meal

• Savor Ultimate Comfort Layers: This hearty beef and potato bake delivers mouthwatering comfort food with perfectly alternating beef, potato, and cheese layers that create a satisfying, rich-tasting meal.
• Speed Up Weeknight Dinner: Requiring only 30 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, this one-dish wonder provides a quick, hassle-free solution for busy families needing nutritious meals fast.
• Pack Powerful Protein Punch: With an impressive 30 grams of protein per serving, this casserole supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full and energized throughout the evening.
• Transform Basic Ingredients Magically: Using everyday pantry staples like ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and condensed soup, this recipe turns ordinary components into an extraordinary, crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will love.

Key Ingredients for Beef and Potato Bake

• Ground Beef: Hearty base of the dish, choose lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.
• Onions: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the beef, fresh and firm onions work best.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides rich, tangy flavor to the casserole.
• Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk: Creates creamy binding sauce that moistens the entire dish.

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that provides substantial base and absorbs flavors, use starchy varieties like Russet for best results.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances overall meat and potato flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika: Adds warm, complex flavor profile to the beef, use fresh ground spices for best taste.

How to Cook a Delicious Beef and Potato Bake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Seasoned Ground Beef

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Stir and cook until beef is completely browned and onions are soft.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layered Casserole

• First layer: Half of the seasoned beef
• Second layer: Half of the thinly sliced potatoes
• Third layer: Half of the shredded cheese

Repeat the layers one more time to create a rich, flavorful base.

Step 4: Add Creamy Sauce

• Condensed cream soup
• Milk

Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the layered casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for the Best Beef and Potato Bake

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for richer flavor and tender texture.
• Slice Potatoes Evenly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato slices, ensuring consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with spices – layer seasonings while browning beef to build deep, complex flavor throughout the dish.
• Control Moisture Carefully: Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent drying out, then uncover to let cheese and top crisp beautifully.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow casserole to sit 10 minutes after baking, which helps layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier.

How to Store and Reheat Beef and Potato Bake

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Beef and Potato Bake in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe container. Frozen casserole can be stored for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated completely.

Best Sides to Serve with Beef and Potato Bake

• Complement with Crisp Salad: Pair the hearty beef and potato bake with a light, tangy green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole.
• Serve with Bold Red Wine: Enhance the meal's robust flavors by pouring a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, which cuts through the dish's richness.
• Add Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to bring brightness and a pop of color, lifting the casserole's dense texture with a fresh note.
• Cool Down with Chilled Beverage: Offer a cold beer or crisp white wine to refresh the palate and complement the warm, comforting casserole's deep flavors.

Fun Twists on Beef and Potato Bake

• Southwestern Beef Fiesta: Swap paprika for chili powder, add diced green chilies, top with crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Replace ground beef with ground lamb, incorporate oregano and crumbled feta cheese, sprinkle with fresh parsley.
• Vegetarian Potato Comfort: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, use vegetable condensed soup, add roasted bell peppers for depth.
• Cheesy Bacon Upgrade: Mix crispy bacon bits into beef layer, use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack cheese, garnish with chopped green onions.

Beef and Potato Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef and potato bake delivers comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens. Savory layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth and flavor.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup milk
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large skillet, thoroughly cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until the vegetables become translucent and meat is completely browned.
3. Season the beef and onion mixture with a blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika, ensuring even distribution of spices throughout the meat.
4. Create the first layer in the prepared baking dish by spreading half of the seasoned beef mixture across the bottom, creating an even foundation.
5. Arrange a uniform layer of thinly sliced potatoes over the beef, covering the entire surface. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese to create a rich, melty layer.
6. Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining beef mixture followed by another complete layer of potato slices and a final coating of cheese.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together condensed cream soup and whole milk until smoothly combined, creating a creamy binding sauce.
8. Carefully pour the soup mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring it seeps between the layers and covers the top evenly.
9. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, allowing the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes until the top becomes golden brown and slightly crispy.
11. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing the layers to set and making it easier to serve in neat portions.

Notes

• Comfort food lovers will adore this hearty one-dish meal packed with cheesy goodness.
• Leftover ground beef transforms perfectly into this budget-friendly family dinner.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting garlic powder and adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a nutritional twist.
• Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain crispy edges.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg