Description
This Cheesy Potato Beef Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy blend of soups, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions. Perfect for family dinners, it bakes to golden perfection, offering a satisfying meal that’s rich in flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced onion (about ½ a large onion)
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
Sauces and Dairy
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Toppings
- 1 cup fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink inside. Season the beef with salt and black pepper while cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, then drain off any excess fat from the mixture.
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them thinly. Soak the potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry using a clean towel or paper towels before layering.
- Mix the Sauces: In a separate bowl, combine the evaporated milk, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup, mixing well until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, arrange alternating layers of sliced potatoes, the beef and vegetable mixture, the combined sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers evenly ensuring all ingredients are used.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 75-80 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbly.
- Broil for Golden Top: Remove the foil and place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes to brown and crisp the cheese topping and fried onions, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- Soaking the potato slices helps prevent them from sticking together and removes excess starch for a better texture.
- Using a mix of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups adds depth and creaminess to the casserole.
- Broiling at the end adds a perfect golden-brown crust on top—watch closely as broiling can happen quickly.
- Allowing the bake to rest before serving ensures it sets nicely and slices cleanly.
- Substitute fried onions with fresh crispy onion toppings if unavailable.
