Description
Hearty cowboy style beef and potato casserole brings rustic ranch flavors straight from Western kitchens to your dinner table. Robust layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melted cheese create a comforting meal savored by hungry families seeking simple, satisfying cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups thinly sliced or diced potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dairy and Sauce Components:
- 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk (optional, to thin sauce if needed)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled cooked bacon
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the foundation for this hearty dish by warming the oven to 375F (190C). Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Transform ground beef into a flavor-packed base by sizzling it alongside diced onions and minced garlic in a spacious skillet. Drain any accumulated fat, then invigorate the mixture with a robust blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Craft a creamy binding sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, tangy sour cream, and smoky BBQ sauce. If the consistency appears too dense, introduce a splash of milk to achieve a silky texture.
- Construct the casserole in strategic layers, beginning with a uniform spread of sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared dish. Generously distribute the seasoned beef mixture, followed by a lavish drizzle of the prepared sauce and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Replicate the layering process, ensuring an even distribution of remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese to create a visually appealing and flavorful landscape.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Allow it to bake for 40 minutes, then unveil the dish and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes reach tender perfection and cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Once removed from the oven, permit the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes. Elevate the presentation by scattering crisp bacon crumbles, freshly sliced green onions, or chopped parsley across the top. Serve while warm and enjoy the rustic, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this hearty casserole.
- Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for added nutrition and a slightly different flavor profile that works great for those wanting more vitamins.
- Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to lower calories while maintaining a creamy texture and adding extra protein to the dish.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling everything except the final baking step, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg