Cowboy Beef & Potato Casserole – Perfect for Busy Nights Recipe

I was cleaning out my freezer last month when I found a forgotten package of ground beef and some potatoes starting to sprout in the pantry. With a busy week ahead and zero energy for complicated cooking, I threw together what would become our new favorite weeknight dinner. The scent of savory beef and roasting potatoes filled my kitchen, and when my family asked for seconds, I knew this dish was something special. If you’re looking for more crowd-pleasing desserts to follow up this hearty meal, you should definitely try our decadent strawberry chocolate cake.

What I love about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort food without demanding hours of your time. You get that satisfying, hearty meal feeling without the fuss—perfect for those evenings when you’re balancing work, kids, and everything in between. It’s become my go-to solution when I need something reliable and delicious on the table fast.

Recipe Overview

Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Category: Dinner
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

What You’ll Need

When I’m shopping for this recipe, I look for potatoes that feel firm and heavy for their size—those tend to have the best texture after baking. For the ground beef, I typically choose 85% lean; it has enough fat to keep everything moist without being greasy. If you’re watching your budget, you can often find great deals on larger packs of beef to freeze in portions for future casseroles.

You’ll need basic kitchen tools like a 9×13 inch baking dish, a large skillet for browning the beef, and a mixing bowl for combining ingredients. Having these ready before you start makes the process flow smoothly.

INGREDIENTS

There’s something therapeutic about lining up all my ingredients before starting—the colorful peppers, the earthy potatoes, the rich tomato sauce. I always take this moment to appreciate how these simple components will transform into something wonderful. The aroma begins building right from this stage, promising the comfort to come.

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

PREPARATION

I’ll never forget the first time I made this for my neighbor who’d just had a baby—she texted me later saying it was the first proper meal she’d enjoyed in weeks. That’s when I realized how much this simple casserole can mean to someone having a tough day. Don’t worry if your potato pieces aren’t perfectly uniform; rustic cuts add to the homemade charm. While the casserole bakes, you could whip up some frozen yogurt bites for a refreshing dessert that kids absolutely love.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease your baking dish lightly.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. In a separate bowl, toss the diced potatoes with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Spread the potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the potatoes.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Making It Your Own

One of my favorite things about this beef potato casserole is how adaptable it is. Sometimes I’ll add a can of drained corn or black beans for extra texture and nutrition. If you prefer a bit of heat, a diced jalapeño mixed in with the bell peppers adds a nice kick. For a creamier version, stir in half a cup of sour cream with the tomato sauce—it creates a richer, more decadent sauce that my kids adore.

Perfect Pairings

This hearty dish stands well on its own, but I often serve it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is another family favorite for soaking up any extra sauce. If you’re feeding a crowd, roasted vegetables like green beans or carrots complement the flavors beautifully without adding much to your prep time.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days. I usually portion them into individual containers for quick lunches. When reheating, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the top to keep it from drying out. The microwave works fine, but for that freshly-baked texture, I prefer reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. For another great make-ahead option, check out our mini banana muffins that are perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Recipe

Cowboy Beef & Potato Casserole – Perfect for Busy Nights Recipe

Make Cowboy Beef & Potato Casserole – Perfect for Busy Nights Recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: Emily Morgan

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hour

Serves: - 4 + bites

★ Rate 🖨 Print

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

PREPARATION

1

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease your baking dish lightly.

2

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks.

3

Add the onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

4

Stir in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5

In a separate bowl, toss the diced potatoes with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper.

6

Spread the potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the potatoes.

7

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

8

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Cowboy Beef & Potato Casserole – Perfect for Busy Nights Recipe!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 420

Protein: 28g

Carbohydrates: 22g

Fat: 24g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 5g

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this cowboy beef and potato casserole ahead?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time since it’ll be going in cold.

What potatoes work best for this recipe?

I’ve had great results with Yukon Gold potatoes—they hold their shape well and have a buttery texture. Russets also work but tend to become softer, which some people prefer.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.