Cozy Rustic Campfire Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe for All

Cooking over an open flame brings out rustic campfire beef and potato casserole hearty charm and robust flavors.

Wilderness adventurers and home cooks alike appreciate this one-pan wonder that combines tender meat with comforting potatoes.

campfire cooking connects us to primal culinary traditions, celebrating simple ingredients and bold tastes.

The smoky aroma wafts through pine-scented air, promising a satisfying meal that fuels outdoor exploration.

Cast iron skillets transform basic ingredients into a memorable feast that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Each bite tells a story of rugged landscapes and culinary creativity.

Gather your ingredients and let this classic recipe transport you to crackling fires and starlit evenings.

Rustic Campfire Beef & Potato Casserole: Why It’s Special

• A hearty one-dish meal that wraps you in warm, satisfying flavors perfect for hungry families.
• Requires simple layering technique with basic ingredients, making it a stress-free cooking experience for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Works brilliantly for casual dinners, potlucks, and weeknight meals where everyone craves something filling and delicious.
• Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples, delivering maximum taste without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Rustic Campfire Beef & Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundational layer of this rustic casserole.

• Onions, Potatoes: Fresh vegetables that add depth and texture to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, melty layer of flavor and creaminess.
• Chicken Soup, Potato Soup: Create a smooth, comforting sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Milk: Helps to thin and blend the soup mixture for even distribution.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the beef.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami depth to the casserole.
• Creole Seasoning: Brings a spicy and complex flavor profile to the dish.

• Crispy Fried Onions: Provides a crunchy, golden-brown finish to the casserole.

Must-Have Tools for Campfire Casserole Cooking

• Cast Iron Skillet or Casserole Dish: Key for layering and baking the entire meal, perfect for rustic cooking.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining soup mixture and creating smooth, flavorful sauce.
• Whisk: Helps blend soup ingredients quickly and evenly without lumps.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to keep moisture locked in.
• Knife: Needed for slicing potatoes and dicing onions with precision.
• Cheese Grater: Creates perfect shreds of cheddar cheese for even distribution.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate liquid measurements for consistent results.
• Broiler or Oven Broil Setting: Gives crispy, golden-brown finish to the topping.

Campfire Casserole: How to Make It at Home or Outdoors

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F, getting ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Grab your trusty cast iron skillet and spread ground beef across the surface.

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously to boost the flavor profile.

Step 3: Scatter Onion Magic

Shower diced onions over the sizzling beef, creating a fragrant foundation for your meal.

Step 4: Create Potato Landscape

Carefully layer sliced potatoes across the onion and beef base, creating a beautiful rustic canvas.

Step 5: Cheese Blanket

Liberally sprinkle grated cheddar cheese, allowing it to dust the potato landscape with golden potential.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Chicken soup
• Potato soup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Milk
• Creole seasoning

Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth, rich liquid.

Step 7: Pour Liquid Gold

Drench the cheese and potato layer with the creamy sauce, ensuring even coverage.

Step 8: Slow Bake

Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and let it bake for 1.5 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop.

Step 9: Crispy Onion Crown

Remove from oven and lift the foil.

Sprinkle crispy fried onions across the top for a crunchy finish.

Step 10: Broil To Perfection

Slide the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes, transforming the top into a golden-brown masterpiece.

Step 11: Serve With Love

Bring the sizzling skillet to the table and serve immediately, letting everyone dig into this comforting meal.

Key Tips for Rustic Beef & Potato Casserole

• Brown beef thoroughly before layering to enhance depth and richness of taste.
• Slice potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use freshly grated cheddar for better melting and more intense cheese flavor.
• Adjust Creole seasoning to personal spice preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Watch fried onions closely under broiler to prevent burning and achieve golden-brown crunch.

Campfire Casserole: Creative Flavor Ideas

• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower slices to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter dish.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Use gluten-free cream soups and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Skillet: Add diced green chiles, swap Creole seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Campfire Beef & Potato Casserole

• Cozy Campfire Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, savory flavors.
• Rustic Side Kick: Serve alongside tangy pickles or quick-pickled vegetables to cut through the dish's creamy texture.
• Comfort Plate Enhancer: Top with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and zesty flavor.
• Weekend Meal Matcher: Enjoy with a cold beer or a glass of robust red wine to complement the beef's deep, satisfying taste.

Best Ways to Store Rustic Campfire Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, then remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp top layer.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile and protein option.

• Is Creole seasoning necessary for the recipe?

No, you can replace Creole seasoning with other spice blends like Italian seasoning or simply use salt and pepper if you prefer a milder taste.

• What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

You can use any oven-safe baking dish or casserole pan that’s approximately 10 inches in size. The key is to have a dish that can go from stovetop to oven.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, ensure you use gluten-free cream soups and check that your Creole seasoning and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free to adapt the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Rustic Campfire Beef and Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 53 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty campfire beef and potato casserole brings mountainside wilderness cooking straight to home kitchens. Robust ingredients and simple techniques create a comforting meal that connects wilderness adventure with satisfying home-style dining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 8 ounces (8 oz) cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 small yellow onion, diced

Soup and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 (10 ounces) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 ounces) can cream of potato soup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
• 1/3 cup crispy French fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for a hearty casserole.
2. Distribute ground beef uniformly across a cast iron skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the meat’s natural flavors.
3. Scatter diced onions over the beef layer, ensuring even coverage for consistent taste.
4. Create a potato mosaic by arranging sliced potatoes atop the onion layer, forming a protective vegetable shield.
5. Generously shower grated cheddar cheese over the potato landscape, promising a melty, golden finish.
6. Craft a flavor-packed liquid mixture by whisking chicken soup, potato soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and Creole seasoning until smooth and well-integrated.
7. Gently cascade the soup blend across the cheese layer, allowing it to seep into every crevice of the casserole.
8. Shield the skillet with aluminum foil and bake for 1½ hours, allowing ingredients to meld and tenderize.
9. Extract the casserole from the oven and unveil by removing the foil, then crown with crispy fried onions for textural contrast.
10. Position the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, transforming the top into a golden-brown, crisp landscape.
11. Present the steaming casserole immediately, ready to comfort and satisfy hungry diners.

Notes

• Adjust Meat Options swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein variations.
• Enhance Flavor boost umami by adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during beef seasoning.
• Control Sodium reduce salt content by using low-sodium soups and monitoring additional seasoning amounts.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation select gluten-free cream soups and verify Worcestershire sauce ingredient compatibility for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg