Cozy Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake Recipe for Family Dinners

Hearty comfort food meets rustic ground beef and potato bake in this delightful one-pan wonder that promises pure satisfaction.

Every bite tells a story of warmth and home-cooked goodness.

Tender potatoes mingle with seasoned beef, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Rich, savory flavors burst through each layer of this simple yet stunning dish.

Robust ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The aroma alone will draw hungry souls to the kitchen.

This easy recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feeds both body and soul.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter version of this dish.

• How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork and are tender throughout. This typically happens after 45-50 minutes of baking.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed when ready to eat.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure the French fried onions are gluten-free as well.

What Makes Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake So Satisfying

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty one-dish wonder that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Chop a few veggies, layer ingredients, and let the oven do the heavy lifting with minimal hands-on cooking effort.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples to create a filling meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
• Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: Perfect for busy families, potlucks, and weeknight dinners that require simple preparation and deliver maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients for Ground Beef and Potato Bake

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the casserole.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic: These aromatics add depth and complexity to the dish's overall taste profile.

• Potatoes: Sliced potatoes create a comforting base and absorb the delicious flavors of the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream: These ingredients combine to create a smooth, rich sauce that binds the casserole together.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a tangy, creamy element to the dish.
• French Fried Onions: Provide a crunchy, golden topping that adds texture and additional flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

• Green Onions, Fresh Parsley: Offer a fresh, bright finish to the hearty casserole.

How to Make Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble ground beef into the pan and cook until perfectly browned.

• Diced onions
• Chopped green bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables become soft and release their delicious aroma.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream

Season with salt and pepper, blending until smooth and velvety.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole Foundation

Grab your greased baking dish and create two even layers of sliced potatoes.

Sprinkle each layer with salt and pepper.

Spread the beef and vegetable mixture generously over the potato base.

Step 4: Pour and Spread Creamy Goodness

Drizzle the creamy soup mixture evenly across the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Topping

Shower the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a golden blanket of flavor.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Slide into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.

Step 7: Create Crispy Finish

Remove foil and scatter French fried onions across the top.

Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes until onions turn beautifully golden.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Pull the bubbling casserole from the oven.

Let rest briefly.

Sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh parsley.

Slice, serve, and savor every comforting bite!

Tips for Ground Beef and Potato Bake

• Choose ground beef with a lower fat percentage (90/10 or 85/15) to reduce excess grease and keep the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Slice potatoes uniformly and thin to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Pat potato slices dry with paper towels before layering to remove excess moisture and maintain a crispy texture throughout the casserole.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the ground beef mixture for enhanced taste complexity.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready – this allows flavors to meld and makes meal preparation more convenient.

Variations for Rustic Beef and Potato Bake

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains hearty texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bake: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, making the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, add oregano and feta cheese, and incorporate diced tomatoes to create a Greek-style potato casserole with unique Mediterranean flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Beef and Potato Bake

• Hearty Family Feast: Pair this comforting casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add fresh texture.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted green beans to boost the vegetable content and create a more nutritionally complete meal.
• Bread Buddy Bonus: Warm crusty bread or garlic toast makes an excellent side for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce and adding extra satisfaction to the dish.
• Weekend Wellness Plate: Top with a dollop of sour cream and extra chopped green onions for a restaurant-style presentation that elevates this homestyle classic.

How to Store Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Properly stored, the casserole will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Rustic Ground Beef and Potato Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Ground Beef and Potato Bake, a wholesome dish that promises warmth and satisfaction. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese create a delicious one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 2 to 3 medium-sized Russet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
• 1/2 cup yellow onion (diced)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 10.75-ounce (305 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

Seasonings and Toppings:

• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• French fried onions (for topping)
• Sliced green onions (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375°F and coat a casserole dish with cooking spray for easy release.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat while cooking until no pink remains.
3. Add diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
4. Create a creamy sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup with sour cream, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profiles.
5. Arrange potato slices in two uniform layers across the greased baking dish, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper for balanced taste.
6. Distribute the seasoned ground beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the potato layers, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
7. Drizzle the creamy soup mixture across the casserole, spreading carefully to create a consistent layer.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface for a rich, melty topping.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until potatoes become tender when tested with a fork.
10. Remove foil and garnish with crispy French fried onions, returning to oven for an additional 5 minutes until onions turn golden brown.
11. Allow casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from oven, then garnish with fresh green onions or parsley for added freshness.
12. Slice into hearty portions and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• For a healthier version, swap full-fat ingredients with low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt, lean ground beef, and reduced-fat cheese.
• Enhance flavor by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture for deeper, more complex taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg