Comfort food at its finest! This Ground Beef, Potato, and Mushroom Casserole combines tender potatoes, savory ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy French fried onion topping for a hearty meal the whole family will love. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is a one-dish wonder that delivers layers of texture and taste. The thinly sliced russet potatoes become soft and tender while baking, absorbing the rich flavors of the mushroom soup and sour cream. Ground beef adds a hearty protein boost, and green bell peppers with onions provide a subtle sweetness. Topped with French fried onions, each bite offers a satisfying crunch, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

This recipe is also versatile—you can add mushrooms, extra cheese, or spices to tailor it to your taste. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Origins & Ingredient Benefits

Casseroles like this one have roots in mid-20th century American home cooking, when busy families sought easy, filling meals using pantry staples like canned soup and ground beef. Potatoes provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, while beef adds protein and iron. Sour cream adds richness without overwhelming the flavors, and mushroom soup brings a savory umami depth.

French fried onions, originally popularized in the 1950s, add both flavor and a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy layers. This combination creates a satisfying balance of creamy, savory, and crispy in every bite.

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 oz) 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, chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic.

Step 3: Cook Ground Beef

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until beef is fully cooked and vegetables are soft. Season with salt and pepper, and drain excess fat.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

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

Step 5: Assemble Casserole

Layer the potatoes, then the beef mixture, followed by a layer of sauce. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used. Spread shredded cheddar on top.

Step 6: Bake & Add Crunch

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle French fried onions on top. Bake an additional 10–15 minutes until potatoes are tender and topping is golden.

Step 7: Serve

Let sit a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or parsley if desired.

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg

Ground Beef & Potato Casserole

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground substitute works well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I keep the potatoes from drying out?

Slice them thinly and layer evenly with sauce. Covering with foil during baking helps retain moisture.

Can I add extra veggies?

Yes! Mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini can be added to increase nutrition and flavor.

Can this be frozen?

Yes, fully assemble the casserole and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.