Potato Beef Quick Meal
A hearty, quick-to-make beef and potato casserole bursting with savory flavors, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying comfort food for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chili sauce or ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 package Pillsbury au gratin or real cheese sauce scalloped potatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up (undrained) ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large ovenproof skillet, brown the ground beef; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, brown sugar, cayenne pepper (if desired), water, chili sauce or ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, potato slices, contents of the seasoning mix envelope, and canned tomatoes.
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Bring the mixture in the skillet to a boil and stir.
- Carefully place the skillet in the preheated oven.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or substitute with turkey for a leaner option. If you want to add more vegetables, consider incorporating frozen mixed vegetables or diced carrots. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference and use homemade tomato sauce instead of canned for a fresher taste. For a creamier texture, mix in a little sour cream before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mrs. Young'S 'No Peek' Stew for a comforting dinner spread. Consider topping each serving with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. For a light twist, serve it with steamed vegetables on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, or for best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating for extra flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato Beef Quick Meal contains roughly 459 calories, with 26g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 965mg per serving (42% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if using leaner meats to avoid drying them out.
What if I don't have scalloped potatoes?
If you don't have scalloped potatoes, you can use any similar potato dish mix, like au gratin or even regular potatoes sliced thinly. Adjust the cooking time if using fresh potatoes to ensure they become tender.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, ensuring it's heated through.
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).