If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that brings a taste of the outdoors to your dinner table, this Rustic Campfire Beef and Potato Casserole is the perfect choice. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that combines lean ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy soups into a satisfying casserole that’s sure to please a crowd. With a crunchy topping of French fried onions, it’s a comforting and delicious option for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 10 oz can cream of potato soup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- ⅓ cup crispy French fried onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven is essential for baking the casserole evenly and ensuring the top gets a nice, golden crust.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent and softened. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet and season the beef and onion mixture with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning.
3. Prepare the Potato Slices:
- Peel and slice the russet potatoes into thin rounds, about ¼ inch thick. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the casserole.
4. Mix the Cream Soups:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of potato soup, Worcestershire sauce, and milk. Stir until well mixed.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter.
- Spread a layer of potato slices evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Top the potatoes with half of the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the beef.
- Sprinkle 4 oz of the grated cheddar cheese over the soup mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, soup mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.
6. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This will help the potatoes cook through and keep the casserole moist.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Add the French Fried Onions:
- Sprinkle the crispy French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will add a delicious crunch and extra flavor to the casserole.
8. Let It Rest:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Tips for Success
- Even Cooking: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, try to slice them to a uniform thickness. If your slices are too thick, they might not cook through completely.
- Creamy Texture: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add an extra splash of milk to the soup mixture or incorporate a bit of sour cream.
- Meat Variations: For a different flavor, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the different meat.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack or Gouda can add a different flavor profile to the casserole.
Variations
- Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like green beans, corn, or bell peppers to the layers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cook or steam them slightly before adding to the casserole.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like a bit of heat.
- Herb Flavors: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added to the beef mixture for additional flavor.
This Rustic Campfire Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines simple ingredients into a delicious and satisfying meal. The layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy soups come together to create a flavorful casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or a casual gathering. The crispy French fried onions on top add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy, cheesy layers. Enjoy this easy-to-make casserole that brings a taste of the outdoors right to your table!
