If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that feels both nostalgic and indulgent, the Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole is about to become your new go-to comfort meal. Think tender layers of perfectly seasoned ground beef, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, and a cheesy, velvety sauce that brings it all together. This casserole checks all the boxes: it’s hearty, family-friendly, and irresistibly creamy—all while being entirely fuss-free, thanks to the beauty of one-pot simplicity. Whether you’re serving a crowd or looking for something cozy after a long day, this dish serves up warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such a humble collection of ingredients yields so much wow-factor flavor. Each component shines—add them together and you’re left with a casserole that’s creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 for real beefy flavor and juiciness—just remember to drain any excess fat after browning.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef, making every bite more aromatic.
Russet or Yukon gold potatoes: Thin slices are key for a casserole that turns out tender and creamy at the same time.
Cream of mushroom soup: The secret shortcut to that nostalgic, luscious base that ties everything together.
Whole milk or heavy cream: Amp up the richness for a truly creamy one-pot beef and potato casserole.
Sour cream (optional): Makes the sauce even creamier and adds a tiny, tangy kick that balances the beef beautifully.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping—sharp cheddar is extra flavorful, but mild works too!
Salt: Essential for seasoning all those comforting layers just right.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that brings out the savory flavors.
Paprika: A little smoky, a little sweet, and the perfect glowing touch in this casserole.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle over the finished dish adds color and brightness.

How to Make Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This gives plenty of time to pull out and prep all your ingredients while the oven reaches the perfect temperature for baking the Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole to golden, bubbling perfection.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Grab your trusty skillet and toss in the ground beef and chopped onions. Let them cook together, breaking up the meat as it browns and the onions soften. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and paprika for that unbeatable savory warmth. Once everything is fragrant and beautifully browned, drain off any extra fat—this keeps the casserole rich, not greasy.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup with the milk or heavy cream and, if you like your casseroles extra decadent, a generous scoop of sour cream. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This is the mixture that will soak into the potatoes and bring every spoonful of the Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole to luscious life.

Step 4: Layer the Beef

Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This flavorful base guarantees every forkful has plenty of hearty, seasoned beef.

Step 5: Add the Potatoes

Next, layer your thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the beef. Overlapping the slices just slightly ensures they cook through and absorb all that incredible flavor without turning mushy.

Step 6: Pour on the Creamy Mixture

Generously pour the prepared creamy sauce over the potatoes, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges. This step is pure magic: it sinks down between the layers, melding the potatoes and beef into a single, ultra-creamy casserole.

Step 7: Top with Cheese

Blanket the top with shredded cheddar cheese. As the casserole bakes, the cheese melts and turns deliciously bubbly and golden, creating an irresistible crust you’ll want on every bite.

Step 8: Bake Covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This traps in moisture and ensures your potatoes come out fork-tender and soaked with flavor—no dry casserole here!

Step 9: Uncover and Finish Baking

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes. This final stretch in the oven is where the cheese topping really shines, bubbling up and turning gorgeously golden brown.

Step 10: Let It Rest and Garnish

Give your Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole a 5–10 minute rest out of the oven. It helps everything set and makes serving a breeze. Before digging in, don’t forget a generous scattering of fresh parsley for color and an herby lift.

How to Serve Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only wakes up the whole dish visually, but adds a light, herbal note that’s so welcome with rich, creamy flavors. For an extra burst, try a dash of smoked paprika or even a few sliced green onions right before serving.

Side Dishes

You honestly don’t need much alongside the Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole—it’s a meal in itself. But if you want to round things out, serve it with crisp, bright green beans, a simple salad with vinaigrette, or warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd (or just feeling a little fancy), spoon individual portions into mini cast iron ramekins or wide soup bowls. Or, for a fun twist, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of parsley—almost like a loaded baked potato meets casserole!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the casserole has cooled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making those next-day bites extra delicious.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, assemble the Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole but hold off on baking. Wrap well and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s still slightly chilled.

Reheating

For best results, reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, so the cheese gets gooey again and the potatoes stay tender. Individual portions can also be quickly microwaved—just splash with a little milk to keep everything creamy.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lighter alternative. Just add a splash of extra olive oil while browning to keep things juicy, and adjust seasonings to match your family’s taste.

What’s the best way to slice the potatoes?

For even cooking, use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice the potatoes about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices soak up the sauce and turn meltingly tender without staying raw in the middle.

Is it possible to make this Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Just use a gluten-free condensed mushroom soup and double-check that your spices and sour cream are gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

You sure can. Diced bell peppers, peas, or corn can be mixed into the beef layer before assembling, and they add a pop of color and veg to the finished dish without any major adjustments.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

No sour cream? No problem! You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt or simply increase the milk or cream a bit. The casserole will still be delightfully creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole is the definition of cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food—easy enough for busy weeknights, yet memorable enough to share with family and friends. If you’re craving warmth, flavor, and simplicity in one irresistible dish, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a spot on your table. Dig in and enjoy every bite!

Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that comes together easily in one pan. Creamy layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a cheesy topping make this casserole a family favorite.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain excess fat.

Mix the creamy sauce:

3. In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth.

Assemble the casserole:

4. Spread cooked beef in the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. 5. Layer thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the beef. 6. Pour the creamy mixture over the potatoes, spreading to cover. 7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Bake:

8. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. 9. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.

Serve:

10. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

You can add diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrients and flavor.
This casserole reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Beef and Potato Casserole, One-Pot Casserole, Comfort Food