Rustic Campfire Beef Potato

This rustic campfire beef and potato casserole brings together hearty layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese in a comforting one-skillet meal that's perfect for cozy family dinners. The combination of creamy soups and savory seasonings creates a dish that tastes like it's been simmering all day over an open fire, even when made in your home oven.

I first made this casserole during a weekend cabin getaway when I needed something hearty that could feed our hungry group after a day of hiking. The cast iron skillet gave it that authentic outdoorsy flavor, and now my family requests it whenever the temperature drops below 50 degrees.

Ingredients

• Lean Ground Beef: Forms the hearty base of this casserole. Look for 90/10 blend for the best flavor without excessive fat
• Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness that mellows as it cooks. Choose firm onions with tight, papery skin
• Russet Potatoes: Create the perfect starchy layer that absorbs flavors while maintaining structure. Select medium sized potatoes of similar dimensions for even cooking
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich creaminess and that irresistible golden top. Shred your own from a block for better melting
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides savory depth and creaminess. The condensed version works perfectly
• Cream of Potato Soup: Doubles down on potato flavor while adding extra creaminess to the sauce
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami richness and complexity with just a small amount
• Milk: Thins the soup mixture to the perfect consistency. Whole milk works best here
• Creole Seasoning: Brings a hint of southern flair and balanced spice. Look for brands with less salt if possible
• Crispy French Fried Onions: Create that essential crunchy topping everyone fights over. Store extras in an airtight container
• Salt and Pepper: Are essential for seasoning each layer properly. Freshly ground pepper makes a difference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Skillet:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature allows the casserole to cook slowly and evenly, giving the flavors time to meld. A cast iron skillet is ideal as it retains heat beautifully and creates a rustic presentation, but any oven-safe casserole dish works well. No greasing needed as the beef will release natural fats.

Create the Beef Base:

Spread the ground beef evenly across the bottom of your skillet or baking dish. Press it down gently to form a consistent layer, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges. Season generously with salt and pepper directly on the meat to build flavor from the bottom up. The beef will cook in its own juices, infusing the entire dish.

Add Aromatics:

Scatter the diced yellow onion over the beef layer. Distribute it evenly so every bite will have that sweet onion flavor. The onions will cook in the beef drippings, becoming tender and flavorful. Their moisture also helps keep the meat juicy during the long cooking time.

Layer the Potatoes:

Arrange the peeled and sliced potatoes in an overlapping pattern over the onions. Try to maintain an even thickness throughout for consistent cooking. The potatoes should be sliced about 1/8 inch thick. Thinner slices cook faster but might break down too much, while thicker slices might remain too firm.

Add Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the potato layer. The cheese will melt down through the layers, adding richness and helping to bind everything together. Make sure to cover the potatoes completely for that perfect cheesy experience in every bite.

Create the Sauce Mixture:

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of potato soup, Worcestershire sauce, milk, and Creole seasoning until smooth and well combined. This mixture should have a pourable consistency but still be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. The combination of soups creates a rich, flavorful sauce that will seep through all the layers.

Top with Sauce:

Pour the soup mixture evenly over the cheese layer, making sure to cover everything. Gently shake the skillet to help the sauce settle into the layers below. This liquid will cook down into a creamy gravy that binds all the ingredients together.

Bake Covered:

Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil. This traps moisture and heat, allowing the potatoes to steam and become tender while the beef cooks through completely. The long cooking time of 1½ hours ensures all flavors meld perfectly and every component cooks thoroughly.

Add Crunchy Topping:

After baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly across the top. These will add essential texture contrast to the creamy casserole beneath. Distribute them in an even layer for consistent crunch in every serving.

Broil to Finish:

Place the skillet under the broiler for just 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The broiler will toast the onions to a deeper golden brown and create a beautifully caramelized top layer. This final touch adds color, texture and an intensified flavor.

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The Creole seasoning is my secret weapon in this recipe. My grandmother first introduced me to this spice blend when I was learning to cook, and its balanced heat and herb profile elevates simple ingredients without overwhelming them. During our annual family reunion, this casserole disappears faster than anything else on the buffet table, with everyone trying to guess the secret ingredient.

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add about 15 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking from cold. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits, creating an even more delicious final result.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. For best results when reheating in the oven, cover with foil and heat at 325°F until warmed through, then uncover for the last few minutes to crisp up the top again. This casserole does not freeze particularly well as the potatoes can become mealy upon thawing, so plan to enjoy it fresh.

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Campfire Cooking Adaptation

True to its name, this casserole can actually be made over a campfire. Use a deep Dutch oven with legs and place it over a bed of hot coals. Create a second layer of coals on the lid. Cook for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, rotating the pot occasionally for even cooking. The smokiness from the fire adds an incredible dimension to the flavor that you simply cannot replicate in a home oven. This method makes it perfect for camping trips when you want something more satisfying than typical camp food.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is the best type of potato to use?

Russet potatoes work best as they hold their shape and absorb the creamy sauce well when baked.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend for a slightly different flavor.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the toppings and broil just before serving.

→ What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as an alternative for the creamy base.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

→ What’s the ideal side dish for this meal?

Pair this dish with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced and complete meal.