This cozy casserole is layered with seasoned beef, tender potatoes, creamy soup, melty cheese, and a crispy onion topping. It’s perfect for a hearty, budget-friendly dinner the whole family will love.
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef or any kind of ground meat you like
- 1 Yellow Onion, Diced
- 5-6 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp salt-free garlic herb seasoning (like Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Beef Bouillon (powder or paste) + 1/2 cup of water OR use 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth
- 2.5 lbs Russet or Yellow Potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 oz Packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
- 10.5 oz Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup or any "cream" soup you like
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 Cups Freshly Grated Colby Jack or any flavor or cheese you like
- 1-2 Cups Crispy Fried Onions
Instructions
- Brown beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the excess grease if needed.
- Add tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes. Stir in seasoning, Worcestershire, bouillon, and water. Simmer on low.
- Microwave the potatoes for about 8 minutes or you can parboil them for about 5 minutes. You just want them slightly tender. Toss with olive oil and onion soup mix in a 9x13 dish.
- Layer beef mixture over potatoes.
- Whisk soup, milk, and pepper. Pour over casserole.
- Cover with foil. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil, top with cheese and fried onions. Bake uncovered for 7–10 more minutes. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Variations & Tips
- Use what you have: Ground turkey or chicken works just as well as beef.
- Mix up the cheese: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack.
- Pick your soup: Cream of chicken, celery, or cheddar cheese soup can all be used here.
- Watch the salt: Onion soup mix, bouillon, and cheese all add salt, so choose salt-free or low-sodium seasonings when possible.
- Leave the peel on: If you like rustic texture, you can skip peeling the potatoes.