Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples like cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and potatoes.
- One-pan dinner – Everything bakes in a single casserole dish for easy cleanup.
- Comforting layers – Creamy, cheesy, and finished with crispy onions for the perfect bite.
- Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love this classic.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- French fried onions, for topping
- Optional: sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2 – Prep Vegetables
Peel and slice the potatoes thinly. Dice the onion and bell pepper, then mince the garlic.
Step 3 – Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking until softened. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
Step 4 – Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth.
Step 5 – Assemble the Casserole
Layer the dish in the following order:
- Thinly sliced potatoes
- Ground beef and veggie mixture
- Creamy mushroom sauce
Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 6 – Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, top with French fried onions, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until potatoes are tender and the topping is golden and crispy.
Step 7 – Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Swap the soup: Use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a flavor twist.
- Cheese lovers: Add extra cheddar or even pepper jack for a bolder taste.
- Meal prep friendly: Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious served with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.