Description
This Cowboy Style Beef and Potato Casserole is a rich and comforting dish made with layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, and melty cheese. With smoky spices, a creamy sauce, and a satisfying crunch, this dish is perfect for an easy family dinner or potluck!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
For the Potato Layer:
- 3 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes (or peeled and diced fresh potatoes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and corn.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Cook the Potatoes
- In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add hash browns (or diced potatoes), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook until slightly crispy, about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add a layer of crispy potatoes on top.
- Spread sour cream evenly over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Add bacon bits, if using.
5. Bake the Casserole
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot!
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for heat.
- Make It Loaded: Add black beans or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use ground turkey instead of beef and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!