Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole

A comforting dish that wraps tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a velvety, creamy sauce into one warm, satisfying bite this Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole is the definition of cozy home cooking. It’s the kind of recipe you reach for when you want something deeply comforting, deeply flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. With just one skillet, one baking dish, and minimal prep, you can create a meal that feels like it simmered all day, even though it comes together in just a little over an hour.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, turning to a reliable weeknight dinner, or prepping meals ahead of time for busy evenings, this casserole delivers every time. Soft, thinly sliced potatoes absorb the rich cream sauce, while the ground beef and onions create savory depth in each layer. The melted cheddar on top brings the whole dish together with irresistible golden richness.

Below, you’ll find everything: a detailed ingredient breakdown, tools you’ll need, highly accurate step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, nutritional overview, pairing ideas (without drinks), meal-prep guidance, FAQs, and much more — all written with SEO best practices for maximum clarity and search visibility.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• True one-pot simplicity: With beef browned in the skillet and the full casserole assembled in one dish, cleanup is minimal.
• Deep comfort flavor: Cream of mushroom soup, milk or cream, sour cream, and cheddar melt into a rich sauce that coats every slice of potato.
• Family-friendly and filling: One casserole serves up to six hungry eaters.
• Budget-friendly ingredients: Potatoes, beef, and pantry staples come together to create a hearty meal without high cost.
• Perfect for weeknights or gatherings: Impressive enough for guests but quick enough for busy nights.
• Flexible and customizable: Easy to adapt for dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Ingredients Breakdown

Below is the full, exact ingredient list — unchanged — organized by component and written for clarity and accuracy.
Yield: Serves approximately 6

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
  Provides the savory, hearty base of the casserole.
• 1 small onion, chopped
  Adds aromatic flavor and moisture.
• 2 cups thinly sliced russet or Yukon gold potatoes
  Thin slices help the potatoes cook fully and evenly.
• Salt, pepper, paprika
  Seasonings used for the beef mixture.

Creamy Sauce

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  Creates the rich, classic casserole texture.
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  Helps thin the soup into a pourable sauce.
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
  Adds tang and additional creaminess.

Topping

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  Melts into a golden, bubbly finish.
• Fresh parsley for garnish
  Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh note.

Tools & Equipment Needed

To ensure your cooking process is smooth and stress-free, gather the following tools:

• Large skillet (for browning beef and onions)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar)
• Measuring cups
• Potato slicer (optional, but useful for thin, uniform slices)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Oven mitts
• Cooling rack or heat-safe surface

Step-by-Step Instructions

These steps follow the recipe exactly as provided, ensuring perfect results.

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
This gives the oven enough time to fully heat, ensuring the potatoes soften evenly.

2. Cook the Ground Beef and Onions

In a skillet over medium heat:

1. Add 1 lb ground beef.
2. Add the chopped small onion.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.

This stage builds the savory flavor foundation for the entire casserole. Break the beef into small crumbles so it layers evenly in the baking dish.

3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and pourable.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease your baking dish.

1. Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom.
2. Layer the 2 cups thinly sliced potatoes on top of the beef.
3. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the potatoes.
4. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

5. Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake for 45 minutes.
Covering the dish traps steam, helping the potatoes cook through fully.

6. Finish Baking Uncovered

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional:

15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.

7. Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes.
This helps it set and makes serving easier.

8. Garnish

Top with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Vegetarian Option

Swap the beef for:

• Crumbled plant-based ground meat,
• Finely chopped mushrooms + lentils, or
• A mix of sautéed vegetables.

Gluten-Free Variation

Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.

Dairy-Free Variation

Use dairy-free substitutions:

• Plant-based cream of mushroom soup
• Unsweetened non-dairy milk (like oat or almond)
• Dairy-free cheese shreds

Adjusting Spice Levels

Increase paprika or add cayenne pepper for more heat.
Decrease seasonings for milder flavor.

Substitution Ideas

• Potatoes: Sweet potatoes work well and add natural sweetness.
• Cheddar: Mix with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier melt.
• Onions: Add garlic or leeks for extra flavor.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste

This casserole is savory, creamy, slightly tangy (if using sour cream), and deeply comforting. The cheese adds richness, while paprika and onion bring gentle warmth.

Texture

• Tender, velvety potatoes
• Juicy, seasoned beef
• Smooth sauce
• Slightly crisp golden cheese topping

Great Side Dish Pairings

• Green salad with light vinaigrette
• Buttered green beans
• Roasted broccoli
• Warm dinner rolls
• Steamed peas
• Simple cucumber salad

(Per your instruction, no drink pairings are included.)

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (1 cup / 240g), as provided:

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

This casserole is hearty and satisfying, making it ideal for main-dish servings.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

Make Ahead

• Prepare the casserole fully up to the baking stage.
• Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
• Bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to account for the cold dish.

Meal Prep

• After baking and cooling, portion into airtight containers.
• Keeps 4–5 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheats well in microwave or oven.

Freezing (Before Baking)

• Assemble completely.
• Wrap tightly with plastic + foil.
• Freeze up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes! Russet or Yukon gold both work perfectly. Just slice them thinly.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely — just note the flavor will be slightly lighter.

3. Does the sour cream need to be included?

It’s optional, but it adds extra richness and tang.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Frozen peas, diced carrots, corn, or spinach mix in well.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes — assemble it and refrigerate before baking.

6. My potatoes aren’t soft. What happened?

They may have been sliced too thick. Ensure they are very thin for even cooking.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Beef & Onions	8–10 minutes
Assemble Casserole	5 minutes
Bake Covered	45 minutes
Bake Uncovered	15 minutes
Rest	5–10 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 20 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot directly from the baking dish.
• Garnish with fresh parsley.
• Pair with crisp salad greens, roasted vegetables, or warm bread.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesy Beef & Potato Fiesta Bake

Add taco seasoning, corn, and black beans.
Top with cheddar and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips.

2. Creamy Mushroom Beef Casserole

Increase the mushroom flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture.

3. Smoky Bacon Potato Casserole

Add cooked chopped bacon between layers for a smoky twist.

4. Italian-Style Beef & Potato Casserole

Swap cheddar for mozzarella and add Italian seasoning.

Ingredient Spotlight

Potatoes

Potatoes are the heart of a good casserole.

How to choose:

• Look for firm, smooth potatoes without bruises.

How to store:

• Keep in a cool, dark place (not the fridge).

Why they shine here:
Thin slices absorb the creamy sauce, giving every bite a silky texture.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar delivers a satisfying, melty topping.

Tips:

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
• Mild or sharp cheddar both work depending on flavor preference.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Slice potatoes very thin (⅛ inch or less) for even cooking.
• Drain excess fat from cooked beef for a cleaner texture.
• Spread the beef mixture evenly so each scoop has balanced flavor.
• Cover tightly with foil so steam tenderizes the potatoes.
• Let the casserole rest before serving so it sets properly.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in airtight containers for 4–5 days.

Freezing (After Baking)

• Cool completely.
• Wrap tightly.
• Freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat in oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Do Not Freeze

• Fresh (uncooked) dairy-heavy mixtures without proper wrapping.
• Potatoes sliced too thick — they may become grainy.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	23g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fat	24g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	720mg
Cholesterol	80mg
Sugar	3g
Dietary Notes	Contains dairy, suitable for nut-free diets

Expanded Conclusion

This Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole is everything you want in a comforting, family-friendly dinner — simple, hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with warmth and anticipation. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a busy weekend evening, this casserole offers comfort without complication.

With easy make-ahead options, adaptable variations, and pantry-friendly ingredients, it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a permanent part of your rotation. Try it once, and it’s sure to earn a spot in your favorite go-to meals.

Enjoy every warm, creamy, comforting bite — and feel free to return anytime for more delicious, reliable, and beautifully written recipes.

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