Memorial Day Eve Casserole

This Memorial Day Eve Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, colorful vegetables, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for holiday weekends, family reunions, backyard gatherings, or any time you need a hearty dinner that feeds a crowd. Rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare, this casserole bakes into a golden, bubbly dish everyone will love.

📝 Ingredients

For the Beef Layer

• 2 lbs (900 g) lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Potato Layer

• 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Creamy Sauce

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of cheddar soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ½ tsp paprika

Vegetables

• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

Cheese Topping

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Crunchy Topping

• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Season with Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and remove from the heat.

Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of cheddar soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Paprika

Mix until completely smooth.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

Slice the potatoes into thin, even slices (about ⅛-inch thick). Toss with melted butter, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, layer:

• Half of the potatoes
• Half of the seasoned beef
• Half of the vegetables
• Half of the cream sauce
• 1 cup cheddar cheese

Repeat the layers using the remaining potatoes, beef, vegetables, cream sauce, and another cup of cheddar cheese.

Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake for 60 minutes.

Remove the foil.

Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Steamed broccoli
• Coleslaw
• Dinner rolls
• Pickles
• Fresh fruit salad

💡 Tips

• Yukon Gold potatoes can be substituted for russets for a creamier texture.
• Add cooked bacon for extra smoky flavor.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
• Pepper Jack cheese adds a spicy kick.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
• Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

⏱️ Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Rest Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 8–10

🥘 Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 545
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 760mg