Description
Hearty cowboy style beef and potato casserole delivers rustic comfort from Western ranch cuisine. Simple ingredients combine for a satisfying meal that connects home cooks with frontier traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 4 cups (960 ml) thinly sliced or diced potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes)
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz/298 g) can cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- ¼ cup (60 ml) BBQ sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
- 1 tsp (5 ml) chili powder
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk (optional, to thin sauce if needed)
- Crumbled cooked bacon (optional)
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure effortless serving.
- Beef Foundation: In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic, draining excess fat. Infuse the meat with a bold spice blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, creating an intensely flavored base.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and BBQ sauce into a luxurious, creamy mixture. Adjust consistency with a touch of milk if needed, ensuring a smooth, pourable texture.
- Layering Technique: Strategically construct the casserole by spreading a base layer of sliced potatoes, topping with seasoned beef, drizzling the creamy sauce, and sprinkling sharp cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process, building a harmonious flavor profile.
- Baking Process: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and cheese achieves a golden, bubbly crust.
- Finishing Touches: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with crispy bacon crumbles, green onions, or fresh parsley to elevate the rustic presentation. Serve piping hot and savor the hearty, cowboy-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Potato Precision: Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Fat Management: Thoroughly drain beef fat to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a clean, robust flavor profile.
- Sauce Smoothness: Adjust sauce consistency with milk if too thick, creating a silky, spreadable mixture that coats ingredients perfectly.
- Cheese Melt Magic: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for optimal melting and a rich, creamy top layer that develops a golden, crispy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- 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: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg