Beef and Potato Casserole: Comfort Food at Its Finest

Nothing says comfort food like a warm, hearty casserole coming out of the oven, and this Beef, Potato, Pea, and Corn Casserole hits all the right notes. Picture layers of tender, seasoned ground beef, crisp slices of potato, sweet peas, and golden corn, all topped off with rich, bubbly cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of dish that brings folks together, filling the kitchen with delicious aromas and leaving everyone satisfied after a long day. Whether you’re making it for your family or looking to impress a crowd at a gathering, this casserole is a sure-fire hit. Trust me, you’ll want to add this one to your weekly rotation!

There’s a reason casseroles have been around for generations — they’re simple, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. This Beef, Potato, Pea, and Corn Casserole is a one-pan wonder that delivers on flavor, texture, and comfort. If you’re a fan of meals that require minimal effort but offer maximum payoff, then this casserole has your name all over it.

• Budget-Friendly: Using affordable, everyday ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank.
• Feeds a Crowd: Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special family dinner, you can easily scale up or down.
• Customizable: Don’t like peas? Swap them for green beans. Love extra cheese? Add another handful! The beauty of this dish is that it’s as flexible as you want it to be.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and veggies ensures this meal sticks to your ribs in the best way possible.

Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s get to it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to pull this casserole together:

• 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.75 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Beef and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set that dish aside for later — we’re about to get cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Now it’s time to season! Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper to the beef and onion mixture. Stir it all together, making sure the spices coat the meat evenly. This is where the flavor starts to build.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Grab your prepared baking dish. Start by spreading half of the seasoned beef and veggies evenly across the bottom. Next, layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes on top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Now, repeat the layers: add the remaining beef mixture, top with the rest of the potato slices, and sprinkle with the second cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Prepare the Soup Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and 3/4 cup of milk until smooth. This mixture will bind everything together and keep your casserole nice and creamy. Pour it evenly over the entire dish, ensuring it seeps down through the layers.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake the casserole for 1 hour. After that, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows everything to settle and makes it easier to cut into neat squares. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of freshness and color.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Slice Potatoes Thinly: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to get those potatoes nice and thin. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: If you want some texture contrast, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking. It’ll give the dish a delightful crunch.
• Extra Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add an extra cup of cheese or mix in some different varieties like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

15 Variations to Try

1. Sweet Potatoes: Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a bit of sweetness and a boost of nutrition.
2. Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
3. Add Bacon: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for extra smokiness and flavor.
4. Mexican-Style: Season the beef with taco seasoning and top the casserole with salsa and sour cream for a Mexican twist.
5. Italian-Style: Use Italian seasoning and add marinara sauce instead of cream of mushroom soup.
6. Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for those who like some heat.
7. Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra earthiness.
8. Cream of Chicken Soup: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken for a different flavor.
9. Tater Tots: Replace the potato slices with tater tots for a fun, kid-friendly version.
10. Vegetarian: Skip the beef and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
11. Cheesy Potatoes: Add a layer of sliced or shredded cheese between each potato layer for even more cheesy goodness.
12. BBQ Style: Mix some BBQ sauce into the beef mixture for a tangy, smoky flavor.
13. Creamy Spinach: Add a layer of creamed spinach for a green and creamy twist.
14. Garlic Butter Potatoes: Toss the potato slices in garlic butter before layering for an extra garlicky flavor.
15. French Onion Casserole: Add caramelized onions and use French onion soup mix instead of cream of mushroom for a French onion twist.

What to Serve with Beef and Potato Casserole

Pair this casserole with some of these sides for a well-rounded, satisfying meal:

1. Garlic Bread
2. Steamed Broccoli
3. Garden Salad
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
5. Buttered Green Beans
6. Creamed Spinach
7. Coleslaw
8. Sautéed Mushrooms
9. Roasted Carrots
10. Cornbread
11. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
12. Cauliflower Rice
13. Baked Beans
14. Cucumber Salad
15. Mac and Cheese

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezer: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.

How Much Beef and Potato Casserole Should I Make for Family Gatherings?

A 9×13 inch pan of this casserole typically serves 8-10 people, depending on portion sizes. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in two separate pans. For a family gathering of 20 people, making two casseroles should do the trick!

How Far in Advance Can I Make Beef and Potato Casserole?

You can prepare this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble it as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

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