Patio Potatoes Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Patio Potatoes is a hearty and comforting casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and flavorful potatoes. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering rich flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (90/10 lean)
• 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
• 28 ounce bag frozen diced potatoes with onions and peppers
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, sliced into pats (salted or unsalted)
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
• 4 green onions, sliced (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until fully cooked and juices run clear. Drain excess grease and return beef to the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add the softened cream cheese and cream of chicken soup to the skillet with the beef. Stir until well combined, then turn off the heat.
4. Step 4: Spread the frozen diced potatoes with onions and peppers in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with dried minced onion, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Top with butter pats and half (1 cup) of the shredded Colby Jack cheese.
6. Step 6: Spread the meat mixture evenly over the potatoes and seasonings.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the meat mixture.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and stir everything together gently. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and mash about half of the casserole with a potato masher, then mix again for a creamy texture.
11. Step 11: Optionally, top with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or a Mexican blend for different taste profiles.
• Use fresh diced potatoes if preferred; precook them slightly before assembling.
• Add cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms into the meat mixture for added texture.

Storage

Store leftover Patio Potatoes covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Patio Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used as alternatives, though cooking times may need slight adjustments depending on the meat’s fat content.

Patio Potatoes Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 135 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Patio Potatoes is a comforting and hearty casserole recipe combining ground beef, creamy cheese, and seasoned frozen diced potatoes baked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish layers flavorful meat mixed with cream cheese and chicken soup over seasoned potatoes and melted cheese, finished with fresh green onions for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
• 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup

Potatoes and Seasoning

• 28 ounce bag frozen diced potatoes with onions and peppers
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, sliced into pats (salted or unsalted)

Cheese and Garnish

• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
• 4 green onions, sliced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until fully cooked and juices run clear. Drain any excess grease, then place the beef back into the skillet.
3. Add cream cheese and soup: To the skillet with beef, add the softened cream cheese and the can of cream of chicken soup. Stir everything until well combined and then turn off the heat.
4. Prepare potatoes in dish: Spread the frozen diced potatoes with onions and peppers in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
5. Season potatoes and add butter and cheese: Evenly sprinkle the potatoes with dried minced onion, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Next, place the sliced pats of butter over the top, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly on the potatoes.
6. Layer meat mixture: Spread the creamy meat mixture evenly over the cheese and potatoes in the baking dish.
7. Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the meat layer.
8. Bake initial 15 minutes: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and flavors to meld.
9. Mix and bake additional 10 minutes: Remove the casserole from the oven and gently mix all the ingredients together in the dish. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly.
10. Mash and combine: Take the casserole out of the oven again; mash about half of the potato mixture with a potato masher, then stir everything together to create a creamy texture.
11. Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving to add freshness and a mild onion flavor. Enjoy your Patio Potatoes warm.

Notes

• Using a lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease and keeps the dish lighter.
• Allow the cream cheese to soften fully for easier mixing with the beef and soup.
• You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
• Frozen diced potatoes with onions and peppers save time and add extra flavor; fresh potatoes can be substituted but will require longer baking.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, based on your preference.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Patio Potatoes, cheesy potato casserole, ground beef casserole, baked potatoes, easy dinner recipe, comfort food