Creamy One-Pot beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

Get ready for the coziest meal of your week! This creamy one-pot beef and potato casserole is every bit as hearty and comforting as it sounds, featuring juicy ground beef, ultra-tender potatoes, and plenty of melted cheddar all enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce. It’s one of those one-dish wonders that brings families together, makes your kitchen smell amazing, and is so ridiculously easy to put together that it practically begs to become your new dinnertime staple. If you’re hunting for a dinner that really nails that savory, soul-soothing, and comforting vibe, this is the dish you’ve been waiting for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simple, honest ingredients—each one brings something essential to the table. This isn’t a time to overcomplicate; just layer up these well-chosen basics for big taste, great texture, and that golden, inviting color on top that makes everyone excited to dig in.

• Ground Beef: Opt for 85/15 for just enough fat to keep things juicy and rich without being greasy.
• Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor that melds perfectly with the beef.
• Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes: Both varieties get wonderfully tender and soak up all the flavors; thin slicing ensures they cook through evenly.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This shortcut ingredient brings creamy body and a savory, umami boost to every bite.
• Whole Milk or Heavy Cream: Either option works for silkiness in the sauce, but heavy cream creates extra richness.
• Sour Cream (optional): Fold this in for an extra bump of tang and creaminess—highly recommended if you have it!
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts to a gooey, bubbly layer on top that draws everyone to the table.
• Salt, Black Pepper, and Paprika: Classic pantry seasonings for a quietly robust flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkling on top before serving brightens everything up and looks lovely.

How to Make and comforting

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by browning the ground beef with the chopped onion in a large skillet. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and paprika as the meat cooks, infusing every morsel with savory warmth. Once the beef is crumbly and the onions are turning translucent, drain off excess fat—this keeps the casserole rich and comforting without tipping into heaviness.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, whole milk (or heavy cream if you want to treat yourself!), and, if using, the sour cream. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This sauce is really the heart of what makes this dish so irresistibly creamy and comforting, binding everything together in velvety goodness.

Step 3: Layer up the Casserole

Grab your favorite 9×13 baking dish and give it a light grease. Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom—think of it as the flavor-packed canvas for your and comforting masterpiece. Next, layer the sliced potatoes evenly on top, nestling them closely together for uniform, tender bites throughout.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour that dreamy, creamy sauce all over the bed of potatoes, using a spatula to gently spread and ensure every slice gets coated. A full cover helps the potatoes soak up all those flavors and cook perfectly. Sprinkle a generous blanket of cheddar cheese across the top—trust me, this golden layer is what transforms the casserole into something bubbling and comforting.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Rest

Cover your creation tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is gorgeously golden and bubbly, and the sauce is visibly thickened at the edges. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes—this is the secret to keeping your slices neat while infusing every layer with concentrated and comforting flavor. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley to serve.

How to Serve and comforting

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley is a classic and comforting finishing touch—its bright green color and gentle flavor balance the creamy richness. For a little extra zing, you might add a few snips of chives or a light dusting of smoked paprika on top to accentuate that cozy, homey aroma.

Side Dishes

This casserole really shines as the main dish, but it plays nicely with sides that offer contrast and freshness. Pair it up with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or simply steamed green beans for something light. For ultimate comfort on chilly evenings, consider serving with warm, crusty bread to mop up every and comforting bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your dinner guests by baking and serving individual portions in mini oven-safe dishes—everyone loves a personal, bubbling casserole of their own! Or, serve the casserole family-style, straight from the baking dish at the table. For a weeknight twist, try spooning leftovers into a wrap or onto thick slices of crusty toast—it’s casual, fun, and comforting in a whole new way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep incredibly well, which is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Simply cover the casserole tightly or portion into airtight containers and refrigerate—it’ll stay fresh, creamy, and comforting for up to 4 days. The flavors might even deepen with time, making reheated servings extra satisfying.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer superstar. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil (or transfer to a lidded freezer-safe container). Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a taste of something cozy and comforting, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the tastiest results, reheat portions in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through and the cheese is melty again—about 20 minutes. A microwave works in a pinch, though reheating low and slow helps preserve that ideal creamy texture and comforting appeal you love.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure everything is heated through and comforting.

What’s the best way to slice the potatoes?

For even cooking and the best texture, aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline makes this quick and consistent, though a sharp knife and a steady hand work just fine for this classic and comforting recipe.

Can I use ground turkey or something else instead of beef?

You sure can! Ground turkey, chicken, or even cooked lentils are great alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian take, and they’ll all soak up that creamy, saucy goodness beautifully.

Is it possible to make it dairy-free?

Definitely—swap the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and cheese for their favorite dairy-free alternatives. There are plenty of plant-based options on the market that will keep everything creamy and comforting.

How do I know the casserole is fully baked?

You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and bubbly, the potatoes are fork-tender, and the sauce has thickened a bit around the edges. Letting it rest before serving also ensures that everything sets into those perfect, distinct and comforting layers.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a Sunday family dinner or a weeknight craving for something ultra-satisfying, this creamy one-pot beef and potato casserole is just the kind of and comforting meal you need in your rotation. Give it a try, share it with people you love, and watch it become one of your favorites, too!

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