Can you cook potatoes and ground beef together?

Yes, and it works beautifully in this creamy one-pot beef and potato casserole. The key is to brown the beef first, then layer in the raw potatoes. As the dish bakes, the beef juices and creamy sauce help steam the potatoes until they’re perfectly tender.

Why is it called a John Wayne casserole?

This dish takes its name from actor John Wayne and was introduced in a charity cookbook. The classic version combines ground beef, biscuits, sour cream, and plenty of cheese. This dish takes inspiration from that layered approach but replaces the crust with hearty potatoes and focuses on rich, creamy comfort.

Can you bake potatoes and meat at the same time?

Definitely. As long as you pre-cook the meat and slice the potatoes thin, they’ll bake up perfectly in the same dish. That’s part of what makes a creamy one-pot beef and potato casserole such a smart, convenient meal.

What are the 5 components of a casserole?

A classic casserole includes five key elements: a protein (like beef), a starch (potatoes or pasta), a vegetable (optional), a binder (such as a creamy sauce), and a topping (often cheese or breadcrumbs). This creamy one-pot beef and potato casserole covers them all rich beef, soft potatoes, savory sauce, and a cheesy top.

Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole – 5-Star Comfort Meal

Name: Creamy One-Pot Beef and Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cups thinly sliced russet or Yukon gold potatoes; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream; 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Description

This creamy one-pot beef and potato casserole is a rich, hearty, and comforting dish made with layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and a velvety sauce all baked together in one dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners and family meals.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

2 cups thinly sliced russet or Yukon gold potatoes

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream

1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp paprika

Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. 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.

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

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.

8. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

9. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.

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

Notes

Slice potatoes thin (about 1/8 inch) for even cooking.

Substitute ground turkey or lentils for a lighter version.

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Casseroles
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 90mg