Introduction
Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together tender steak, creamy potatoes, and a blend of savory seasonings, making it a perfect comfort food.
Whether you’re looking to feed a hungry family or impress guests at a gathering, this casserole has everything you need: rich flavors, a variety of textures, and an irresistible aroma as it bakes.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy evenings.
The combination of juicy steak and soft, seasoned potatoes baked to perfection is sure to please everyone at the table.
It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare, filling, and packed with all the flavors of a traditional cowboy feast.
Ingredients
-1 kilo ground beef
-1 onion, finely chopped
-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
-1 cup bread crumbs
-1/4 cup ketchup
-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
-1 tablespoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
-4 large potatoes, frozen and finely chopped
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Start by preparing the ingredients. Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into thin, uniform rounds.
Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Chop the onions and garlic for later use.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when the casserole is assembled.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the steak pieces until browned on all sides.
You want to get a good sear, so don’t overcrowd the pan. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add some butter and sauté the onions and garlic until softened and fragrant.
This will help build the flavor base for the casserole. Add a little bit more paprika or seasoning at this stage if you’d like a deeper flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese.
Mix everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated in the creamy mixture. Season to taste with additional salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the potato mixture on the bottom.
Add the seared steak pieces evenly over the top, then layer the remaining potatoes on top of the steak. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. After 40 minutes.
remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra burst of color and flavor.
How to Make
To make this Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole, begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash and slice the potatoes and chop the steak into bite-sized pieces.
Season the steak well with your chosen spices. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened, allowing their flavors to infuse the dish.
Layer the potatoes and steak in a greased baking dish, then top with cheese and sour cream for a creamy texture.
Searing the steak in a hot skillet gives it a caramelized outer crust that adds flavor, while keeping the inside tender.
Mixing the potatoes with the sour cream ensures they stay creamy even after baking, while the cheese on top creates a crispy, golden crust.
The combination of textures is one of the highlights of this casserole, as it balances the tenderness of the steak with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth potatoes.
Make sure to cover the casserole with foil while it bakes to allow the potatoes to cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
Removing the foil near the end lets the cheese become crispy and golden, adding a satisfying crunch.
The casserole should be baked until the potatoes are fork-tender, and the steak is juicy and flavorful.
Once assembled, the casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days if you want to make it ahead of time.
Just reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
This casserole is perfect for any meal and works wonderfully for special occasions, family dinners, or just a cozy weeknight treat.
Its ease of preparation and comforting nature make it a staple in many households.
Tips
For a variation on this casserole, consider using different cuts of steak, like flank or skirt steak, if you prefer a leaner option.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for different cuts to ensure the meat stays tender and juicy.
You can also add some vegetables to the casserole, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some greens, for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
If you’re looking for a bit of spice, try adding some chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
This will give the dish a slight kick without overwhelming the other flavors. You can also switch up the cheese blend.
using a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and even a little bit of parmesan for a different flavor profilel.
To make the dish even more comforting, add a drizzle of gravy or beef broth to the casserole before baking it.
This will give the potatoes an even richer, more savory flavor. For those who prefer a lighter version, you can swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt or reduce the amount of cheese.
For a crispier texture on the top, consider adding some crushed breadcrumbs or crumbled crackers to the cheese layer before baking.
This will create an extra crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft potatoes and juicy steak.
Make sure to cut the potatoes into uniform slices so they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the seasoning and sour cream mixture.
You can also parboil the potatoes for a few minutes before assembling the casserole to speed up the cooking process.
For those who are short on time, you can use pre-cooked steak or leftover roast beef in place of the freshly seared steak.
This will reduce the preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
If you’re making this casserole for a crowd, consider doubling the recipe and using a larger baking dish. This way, everyone gets a hearty serving of this delicious, filling dish.
Conclusion
Cowboy Steak and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the best of tender steak.
creamy potatoes, and savory flavors in one simple yet satisfying dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special.
occasion or just a family dinner, this casserole is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and versatility, it’s a dish that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Enjoy it as a complete meal, or pair it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner.