This Brown Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish — creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The combination of tender meat, creamy sauce, and perfectly baked layers creates a meal that’s filling and irresistible. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef (or ground turkey)
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
Sour cream
Worcestershire sauce
Shredded cheddar cheese
Potatoes, thinly sliced (or cooked egg noodles for a noodle variation)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil or butter for cooking
Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, parsley, or fried onions
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent.
Add ground beef and garlic, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
If using potatoes, arrange half of the slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with cheese on top.
If using noodles instead of potatoes, combine cooked noodles directly with the beef mixture before transferring to the dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or fried onions if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people. Total time: about 50 minutes (15 minutes prep, 35 minutes baking).
Variations
Potato-Free Version: Use cooked pasta or rice instead of potatoes for a different texture.
Vegetable Boost: Add peas, green beans, or corn to the meat mixture for extra nutrition.
Cheese Lover’s Version: Mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier finish.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
Healthier Option: Substitute ground turkey and low-fat sour cream for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Brown Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of soup?
Absolutely! Sauté mushrooms in butter and use a homemade white sauce in place of canned soup.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar adds a sharp, classic flavor, but you can also use Colby Jack or Swiss.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen hash browns or sliced potatoes work perfectly for convenience.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soup and verify that your Worcestershire sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
Yes, assemble it, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the cook time.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm dinner rolls.
Can I add gravy to make it saucier?
Yes, a small amount of beef gravy or broth can enhance the creaminess.
How do I get the top extra crispy?
Sprinkle breadcrumbs or fried onions on top before baking uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply use a larger baking dish and extend baking time slightly until heated through.
Conclusion
Brown Casserole is a warm, filling dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of tender meat, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, it delivers the ultimate comfort in every bite. Easy to customize, family-friendly, and deeply satisfying, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection — perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a hungry crowd.
Brown Casserole is a comforting, hearty bake made with layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and potatoes or noodles, all topped with melted cheese. It’s an easy, family-friendly dish perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:6–8 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (or 8 oz cooked egg noodles for variation)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, parsley, or fried onions
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
Add ground beef and garlic, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
If using potatoes, layer half of the slices in the baking dish. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
If using noodles instead of potatoes, mix noodles directly into the beef mixture, then transfer to the baking dish and top with cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, breadcrumbs, or fried onions if desired.
Notes
Use ground turkey and low-fat sour cream for a lighter version.Add peas, corn, or green beans for extra vegetables.Mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra cheesiness.To make gluten-free, use gluten-free soup and sauce.Assemble ahead and refrigerate or freeze before baking for convenience.
