Description
This hearty Cowboy Potato Casserole combines savory ground beef, tender hash brown potatoes, and creamy cheese in a comforting baked dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Featuring classic western flavors like smoked paprika and crispy bacon, this casserole offers a satisfying, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 2 green onions, sliced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook beef and aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Season the beef: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder into the cooked beef mixture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine wet ingredients and mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble casserole mixture: Add the cooked beef and onion mixture, frozen hash brown potatoes, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Fill the baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing lightly to create an even layer.
- Add cheese and bacon topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and the rest of the crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, crisp garnish. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture while cooking.
- Cream of chicken soup can be substituted for cream of mushroom soup based on preference.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the cream of mushroom soup you use is certified gluten-free.
