Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that doesn’t require a day’s worth of prep? Our Scallop Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is here to save your dinner plans. Perfect for busy evenings or when you’re in need of a satisfying dish, this recipe blends the ease of boxed scallop potatoes with savory ground beef, onions, a creamy potato layer, all under a blanket of melted cheese and a crispy topping. Let’s dive into the steps to whip up this family-pleasing dish.
Ingredients:
1 box of scallop potatoes
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
1 can of cream of potato soup
Shredded cheese (to your liking)
Your choice of seasonings (think salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Oven Preparation: Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring your casserole cooks perfectly.
2. Brown the Beef: In a sizable skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over a medium flame. Season with your preferred spices for a personalized touch. Continue cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned and fully cooked, then drain off any excess fat.
3. Mix in Creaminess: In a separate bowl, blend the can of cream of potato soup with the browned beef. This creamy concoction will add a rich, moist layer to the casserole.
4. Assemble the Potatoes: Spread the uncooked scallop potatoes evenly in a 13×9 inch baking dish. Follow the sauce packet instructions from the scallop potatoes box in another bowl.
5. Layer on the Beef Mixture: Distribute the beef and cream of potato mixture over the uncooked scalloped potatoes. Then, evenly pour over the sauce mix, ensuring it thoroughly covers the beef and potato layers.
6. Bake Time: Place the casserole, uncovered, into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to soften.
7. Crisp Topping: While the casserole bakes, opt for a crispy topping. You could use a vegetarian bacon alternative or even crispy fried onions for a crunch that complements the dish without the need for traditional bacon.
8. Cheese and Crisp Layer: After baking for 25 minutes, pull the dish out and sprinkle your choice of crispy topping along with shredded cheese over the top, adjusting the cheese quantity to your preference.
9. Final Oven Visit: Return the casserole to the oven for another 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted into a delightful, bubbly layer.
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Serving and Storage Tips for Scallop Potato and Ground Beef Casserole
This Scallop Potato and Ground Beef Casserole is not just a delicious meal; it’s a practical choice for families seeking convenience without sacrificing flavor. To make the most of this hearty dish, here are some serving and storage tips that will help you enjoy it to the fullest.
Serving Tips:
- Let It Rest: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve neat portions.
- Garnish for Freshness: Add a fresh element by garnishing the casserole with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving. This adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich and creamy dish.
- Pairing: While this casserole is a hearty meal on its own, pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed green vegetables can balance the richness. A light vinaigrette dressing on the salad cuts through the creaminess of the casserole beautifully.
Storage Tips:
- Cool Before Refrigerating: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating. This prevents condensation from forming, which could make the top layer soggy.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If the casserole is in a dish you’d like to use again soon, consider transferring the leftovers to a different container to free up your dish.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. For best results, freeze it in portions for easier thawing and reheating. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, label them with the date, and consume within 2-3 months. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Reheat portions in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. For a larger portion, reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through is best. If the casserole was frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed before reheating. Covering with foil can prevent the top from browning too much while the rest warms up.
Reviving Leftovers:
- If the casserole feels a bit dry upon reheating, a splash of milk or stock drizzled over the top before heating can help revitalize its creamy texture.
- Sprinkling a little extra cheese on top before the final few minutes of reheating can also add freshness and moisture.
FAQs
1. Can I make the Scallop Potato and Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! To prepare ahead, assemble the casserole without baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. What can I use instead of ground beef?
This casserole is quite versatile. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version. The key is to season your choice of protein well to maintain the dish’s flavorful character.
3. How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your box of scalloped potatoes and can of cream of potato soup are certified gluten-free. Additionally, check the seasoning and sauce mix for any gluten-containing ingredients. There are several gluten-free options available for these ingredients that can be used as direct substitutes.
4. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables can introduce more flavors and textures to the dish. Consider layering in some spinach, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even broccoli. If you add vegetables, cook them slightly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they’re tender by the time the casserole is baked.
Conclusion:
Our Scallop Potato and Ground Beef Casserole recipe proves that a delicious, comforting meal doesn’t have to eat up your time. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner lineup. Give it a go and watch it quickly become a household favorite!
📖 Recipe
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Quick and Easy Scallop Potato and Ground Beef Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Discover how to create a delicious, comforting Scallop Potato and Ground Beef Casserole with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish combines savory ground beef, creamy scalloped potatoes, and melted cheese, all topped with crispy bacon. It’s a versatile meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
1 box of scallop potatoes
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
1 can of cream of potato soup
Shredded cheese (to taste)
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground beef with onion and seasonings until fully cooked; drain.
- Mix cream of potato soup with cooked beef.
- Layer uncooked scallop potatoes in a 13×9 inch baking pan.
- Prepare sauce mix as directed and pour over potatoes.
- Spread beef and soup mixture over potatoes, then pour sauce mix on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
- Add crispy bacon and shredded cheese, then bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Notes
Customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients, including the boxed scallop potatoes and cream of potato soup, are gluten-free.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Can this be done in a crockpot?