Campfire beef potato casserole has been my go-to for outdoor adventures and cozy nights in alike. I first whipped up this rustic beef potato campfire casserole on a camping trip years ago, struggling a bit with a flimsy camp stove. The aroma of seasoned beef and tender potatoes bubbling under the stars was just incredible, and it quickly became a family favorite. This one-pot campfire beef potato bake is incredibly satisfying, filling your belly with warm, cheesy goodness that’s perfect after a day of hiking or just a busy week. Let’s get cooking this amazing dish!
You’re going to absolutely adore this Campfire Beef Potato Casserole for so many reasons! It’s the ultimate comfort food that just screams deliciousness, whether you’re under the stars or in your own kitchen.
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed camping trips.
- The combination of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy soup creates a truly satisfying meal.
- This hearty campfire beef potato casserole is a complete meal in one dish, minimizing cleanup.
- Melty cheddar cheese throughout makes every bite a cheesy delight you won’t forget.
- The crispy fried onions add a fantastic crunch and flavor contrast.
- It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
- This easy campfire beef casserole tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients for Campfire Beef Potato Casserole
Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delicious campfire beef and potato bake. This recipe is designed for ease, making it perfect for both camping trips and home kitchens.
- 450g lean ground beef – the savory base of our dish
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced – adds a subtle sweetness and depth
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced – these become wonderfully tender when baked
- 225g cheddar cheese, grated – for that irresistible cheesy goodness that binds everything together
- 1 can (285g) cream of chicken soup – provides a creamy texture and rich flavor
- 1 can (285g) cream of potato soup – enhances the potato flavor and adds to the creaminess
- 5ml Worcestershire sauce – a little goes a long way to add umami
- 60ml milk – helps thin out the soup mixture for even pouring
- 5ml Creole seasoning – a blend of spices for a mild kick and robust flavor
- 80g crispy French fried onions – for that essential crunchy topping
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
How to Make Campfire Beef Potato Casserole
Whipping up this delicious campfire beef potato skillet meal is easier than you think, whether you’re at a campsite or in your own kitchen. Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). If you’re using a cast iron skillet, make sure it’s oven-safe.
- Step 2: Spread the 450g lean ground beef evenly across the bottom of your skillet. Season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You want a nice, savory base for this hearty campfire beef potato casserole.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the finely diced onion evenly over the ground beef layer. Next, arrange the thinly sliced potatoes in a neat, overlapping layer on top of the onions. This layering is key to the texture of our easy campfire beef casserole.
- Step 4: Distribute the 225g grated cheddar cheese evenly over the potato layer. This will melt into a gooey, delicious blanket.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 285g cream of chicken soup, 285g cream of potato soup, 5ml Worcestershire sauce, 60ml milk, and 5ml Creole seasoning until everything is smoothly combined. The aroma of the Creole seasoning should start to fill the air.
- Step 6: Carefully pour this creamy soup mixture evenly over the cheese-covered potatoes. Ensure it coats everything to help tenderize the potatoes and meld the flavors together.
- Step 7: Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Step 8: Remove the foil. Sprinkle the 80g crispy French fried onions over the top. Return the skillet to the oven, uncovered, and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the onions are golden brown and wonderfully crisp.
- Step 9: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the campfire beef and tater casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.
Campfire Beef Potato Skillet Meal Prep
To make this campfire beef potato skillet meal even easier, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the entire casserole, minus the crispy onions, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Dutch Oven Beef Potato Bake Instructions
For an authentic Dutch oven beef potato bake experience, prepare the casserole as directed. Place the Dutch oven over a bed of hot coals and arrange more coals on the lid. Rotate the oven and lid every 15-20 minutes for even cooking. Bake for about 90 minutes, then add the crispy onions and cook for another few minutes until golden.
Pro Tips for the Best Dutch Oven Beef Potato Bake
To elevate your campfire beef potato casserole from good to absolutely amazing, I’ve picked up a few tricks. These tips will ensure your outdoor beef potato casserole recipe is a guaranteed success, whether you’re cooking over coals or in your oven.
- Always use fresh, good-quality ground beef. It makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor.
- Don’t skip the resting time! Letting the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking allows the layers to set, preventing a soupy mess when you serve.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some shredded carrots or a pinch of garlic powder to the soup mixture.
- Make sure your potatoes are sliced evenly so they cook through at the same rate.
What’s the secret to perfect Campfire Beef Potato Casserole?
The real secret to a perfect campfire beef potato casserole lies in the layering and the creamy soup base. This combination ensures the potatoes cook through beautifully and the flavors meld together into a comforting, cheesy dish. For more one-pot meal ideas, check out these other recipes.
Can I make Campfire Beef Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire easy campfire beef casserole, minus the crispy onions, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Just remember to add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold. This is a great tip for meal prepping.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Campfire Beef Potato Casserole?
A common pitfall is undercooking the potatoes. Ensure they are fork-tender before adding the crispy onions. Also, avoid over-baking after removing the foil, as the onions can burn quickly under the broiler. For more cooking tips, you might find this guide helpful.
Best Ways to Serve Outdoor Beef Potato Casserole Recipe
This hearty campfire beef potato casserole is a meal all on its own, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to round out the meal. It’s perfect for a rustic campfire dinner or a comforting family meal.
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a fantastic contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed green beans or a side of corn on the cob complement the flavors beautifully.
- For a true outdoor experience, serve this campfire beef and potato bake with some crusty bread to soak up any extra cheesy goodness.
Nutrition Facts for Hearty Campfire Beef Potato Casserole
This hearty campfire beef potato casserole is a satisfying meal, packed with flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 485
- Fat: 27.2 g
- Saturated Fat: [Insert value if known, e.g., 12g]
- Protein: 24.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 38.5 g
- Fiber: [Insert value if known, e.g., 3g]
- Sugar: [Insert value if known, e.g., 4g]
- Sodium: [Insert value if known, e.g., 950mg]
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your campfire cooking beef potato recipe. For more information on general nutrition, you can consult Nutrition.gov.
How to Store and Reheat Campfire Beef Potato Casserole
Don’t let any of this deliciousness go to waste! Properly storing your leftover campfire beef potato casserole ensures it stays tasty for your next meal. Once it has cooled down for about an hour, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. This is crucial for maintaining freshness and preventing freezer burn. You can confidently store this hearty dish in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this simple beef potato campfire dinner freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze. For refrigerated portions, you can gently reheat them in the oven at around 160°C (325°F) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings. If reheating from frozen, allow the casserole to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, follow the same oven or microwave reheating methods. This easy campfire beef casserole tastes almost as good as the first time! You can find more storage tips here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Campfire Beef Potato Casserole
What is Campfire Beef Potato Casserole?
Campfire beef potato casserole is a hearty, rustic one-pot meal designed for outdoor cooking, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy sauces, and cheese, often baked in a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. It’s the ultimate comforting and satisfying dish for camping trips or any occasion.
How to make Campfire Beef Potato Casserole for camping?
To make this Campfire beef potato casserole for camping, prepare all ingredients beforehand. Chop veggies, cook the beef, and mix the sauce. Assemble the layers in a greased cast iron skillet or Dutch oven at the campsite. Cover tightly with foil or a Dutch oven lid and place over hot coals, with some coals on top, rotating frequently for even cooking. It’s a wonderfully rewarding outdoor beef potato casserole recipe. For more camping recipes, explore this section.
Variations of Campfire Beef Potato Casserole You Can Try
This delicious campfire beef potato casserole is fantastic as is, but it’s also super adaptable! I love tweaking it to keep things interesting. Here are a few ways you can switch up this rustic beef potato campfire casserole to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Cheesy Delight Twist: Swap out the cheddar for a mix of Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack cheeses for a bit of a kick. You could even add a layer of shredded Swiss for a nutty flavor.
- Vegetarian Campfire Meal: For a meatless option, simply omit the ground beef and add an extra can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup, plus some sautéed mushrooms and extra veggies like peas or corn. It makes for a hearty vegetarian campfire meal.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a diced jalapeño to the onion layer or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup mixture. It really wakes up the flavors in this easy campfire beef casserole.
- Smoky Flavor Boost: For an even deeper, smoky flavor profile, try using smoked paprika in your Creole seasoning blend or adding a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the soup mixture.
Campfire Beef Potato Casserole: Amazing 1-Pot Meal
- Total Time: 115 min
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and rustic campfire beef and potato casserole baked in a cast iron skillet, featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy soups, and melted cheddar cheese, finished with crispy fried onions for a comforting one-dish meal perfect for outdoor cooking or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 450g lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 225g cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 can (285g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (285g) cream of potato soup
- 5ml Worcestershire sauce
- 60ml milk
- 5ml Creole seasoning
- 80g crispy French fried onions
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Spread ground beef evenly in a 25cm cast iron skillet or small casserole dish. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle diced onions over the beef layer. Arrange sliced potatoes in an even layer on top of the onions. Distribute grated cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of potato soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and Creole seasoning until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake for 90 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with crispy fried onions, and broil for 2-3 minutes until onions are golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This hearty campfire beef and potato casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking. Add 15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- For authentic campfire cooking, this can be prepared in a Dutch oven over coals, rotating occasionally for even cooking.
- This recipe is versatile and welcomes adaptations.
- Cast iron provides superior heat retention and distribution for this campfire beef potato bake.
- This simple beef potato campfire dinner makes excellent leftovers.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 95 min
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Fat: 27.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38.5 g
- Protein: 24.6 g
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