U.S. Military Cheesy Beef Casserole

🥩 Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup whole milk
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨‍🍳 Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Stir in the garlic and diced red pepper, then cook for another minute.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
Add the diced potatoes to a greased baking dish.
Spread the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over everything.
Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the casserole and gently mix.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil, top with the remaining cheddar cheese, and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
Buttered dinner rolls
Green salad
Steamed green beans
Pickles or coleslaw
This hearty casserole is rich, cheesy, filling, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. 🇺🇸🧀🥩