Hearty Beef And Potato Casserole
Hearty beef and potato casserole combines tender ground beef, crispy potatoes, broccoli, and melted cheese for a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the frozen cottage fries on the bottom and up the sides of a 9 x 12-inch casserole dish.
- Bake, uncovered, at 400°F for 10 minutes to start crisping the potatoes.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet until cooked through; drain excess fat.
- In the casserole, layer the cooked beef, thawed chopped broccoli, half of the French fried onions, and chopped tomato.
- In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of celery soup, milk, 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the beef and vegetable layers in the casserole.
- Bake, uncovered, at 400°F for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese and French fried onions on top.
- Bake, uncovered, for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts and topping is crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for a more vibrant flavor. If you want extra spice, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the soup mixture. To enhance the dish, consider mixing in some sautéed onions or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Jalapeno Pepper Corn Bread for a comforting dinner. For a complete feast, consider serving with a fruit salad or some crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Beef And Potato Casserole contains roughly 823 calories, with 36g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), protein (72% of the Daily Value), and calcium (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1193mg per serving (52% 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 prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as a suitable substitute. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version using a roux with butter, flour, and vegetable or chicken broth.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
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).