Rustic Campfire Beef Casserole

This hearty beef and potato casserole brings the nostalgic flavor of campfire cooking right to your dinner table. Layers of savory beef, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese come together in a cast iron skillet for that authentic outdoor cooking experience without leaving your kitchen.

I first made this casserole during a rainy weekend when our planned camping trip got canceled. My family was so disappointed about missing our outdoor cooking experience that I created this recipe to capture that same rustic feel. The rich aroma filling our house immediately lifted everyone's spirits.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Lean Ground Beef adds the hearty protein base perfect for getting that campfire flavor when browned
• 1 Small Yellow Onion diced adds natural sweetness and aromatic foundation
• 4 Medium Russet Potatoes choose firm potatoes with no green spots for the best texture
• 8 oz Cheddar Cheese freshly grated melts better than pre shredded varieties
• 1 10 oz Can Cream of Chicken Soup provides rich savory flavor and creamy texture
• 1 10 oz Can Cream of Potato Soup reinforces the potato flavor while adding creaminess
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce adds that umami depth that elevates the whole dish
• ¼ Cup Milk helps thin the soup mixture to the perfect consistency
• 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning brings a subtle heat and complexity of flavors
• ⅓ Cup Crispy French Fried Onions provides the perfect crunchy topping
• Salt and Pepper to taste essential for balancing all the flavors

How To Make Rustic Campfire Beef and Potato Casserole

Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F ensuring it reaches the proper temperature before adding your casserole.

Layer The Base

Spread the ground beef evenly across the bottom of a 10 inch cast iron skillet creating a thin even layer for proper cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper to build flavor from the bottom up.

Add The Aromatics

Sprinkle the diced yellow onion over the beef layer distributing evenly so every bite contains their sweet flavor once cooked.

Create The Potato Layer

Arrange the sliced potatoes in an overlapping pattern over the onions ensuring even coverage for consistent cooking throughout the dish.

Add The Cheese

Distribute the freshly grated cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes creating a barrier that will melt beautifully into both layers.

Prepare The Sauce Mixture

In a mixing bowl combine both soups Worcestershire sauce milk and Creole seasoning whisking until completely smooth to ensure the flavors blend properly.

Pour The Sauce

Slowly pour the sauce mixture over the entire casserole allowing it to seep between the layers for maximum flavor infusion.

Initial Baking Phase

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1½ hours giving the potatoes plenty of time to become tender and the flavors to meld together.

Finish With Crunch

Remove the foil sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly across the top and broil for just a few minutes until golden brown watching carefully to prevent burning.

My grandmother always insisted on using cast iron for this type of dish. She would say the pan itself was an ingredient that couldn't be substituted. The way the edges get slightly caramelized against the hot iron reminds me of meals cooked over an open flame at our family camping trips.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole shines as a prepare ahead meal. Assemble everything up to the point of baking then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook simply add an extra 15 minutes to the covered baking time to account for the chilled ingredients. The flavors actually develop wonderfully overnight making this perfect for busy households.

Ingredient Substitutions

Dont have all the exact ingredients? No problem. Ground turkey works beautifully as a leaner alternative to beef. Sweet potatoes can replace russet for a slightly sweeter flavor profile with added nutrients. If you prefer to avoid canned soups create your own white sauce with 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour and 2 cups of chicken broth simmered until thickened. Vegetarians can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms for a similar hearty texture.

Serving Suggestions

This rustic casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal add crusty bread for sopping up the delicious sauce. In summer serve alongside grilled vegetables to enhance the outdoor cooking vibe. For special occasions a glass of robust red wine complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this casserole without a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can use any oven-safe casserole dish instead of a cast iron skillet. A 9×9 inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish will work well. Just ensure it's deep enough to accommodate all the layers.

→ What can I substitute for cream of potato soup?

If cream of potato soup isn't available, you can substitute with cream of mushroom or another can of cream of chicken soup. You could also make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk seasoned with herbs and spices.

→ What is Creole seasoning and what can I use instead?

Creole seasoning is a spice blend typically containing paprika, garlic, onion, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. If unavailable, substitute with Cajun seasoning or make your own by combining these spices. For a simpler alternative, use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

→ Can this casserole be prepared in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered until ready to bake. You may need to add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. Add the crispy fried onions only just before broiling.

→ How can I cook this dish over an actual campfire?

To cook over a campfire, place the covered cast iron skillet on a grate over medium-low coals (not direct flames). Rotate occasionally for even cooking. It will take approximately 1-2 hours depending on heat. When the potatoes are tender, add the fried onions and cover with foil for a few minutes to heat through.

→ What sides pair well with this beef and potato casserole?

This hearty casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli, or crusty bread. For a truly campfire meal, serve with corn on the cob or grilled vegetables.