Great Beef Bake
A hearty layered beef and potato casserole featuring tender beef, sliced potatoes, and creamy soup, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying hungry appetites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef; set aside.
- Mix the milk and cream of chicken soup in a saucepan; heat until smooth.
- In a 9 x 13-inch glass dish, layer ingredients starting with sliced potatoes at the bottom.
- Add a layer of sliced onions, then some of the cooked beef.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then drizzle some of the soup mixture on top.
- Repeat the layering process until the dish is full or ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of soup on top.
- Coat all potatoes on the top layer with a little soup to prevent drying.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pricked with a fork.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or diced bell peppers to the beef while browning. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce or a different flavor of condensed soup if desired. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or frozen potatoes can also be used, but adjust the baking time accordingly. This dish also pairs well with a side salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Great Beef Bake is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting twist, serve it alongside crusty bread or a warm biscuit. You could also explore other comforting dishes like Cheezy Vegetable Chowder for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to keep the moisture in.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Beef Bake contains roughly 786 calories, with 25g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), potassium (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1131mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey can be milder in flavor. The cooking process remains the same, so adjust the browning time as needed to ensure it is fully cooked.
How do I know when the potatoes are done cooking?
For an extra creamy texture, you can add a bit of shredded cheese to the layers before baking. It will melt beautifully and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Great Beef Bake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).