There’s something about a meat and potato casserole that just feels like home. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground meat, and creamy goodness baked to golden perfection—it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without hesitation. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need something satisfying, this dish never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Pure comfort in every bite
- Simple ingredients that come together beautifully
- Feeds a crowd or makes great leftovers
- Easy to customize with different seasonings and add-ins
Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need:
- Potatoes—thinly sliced for even cooking
- Ground beef or sausage—whatever you prefer
- Onion and garlic—for flavor that makes all the difference
- Cheese—because a little melty goodness goes a long way
- Creamy base—something to tie it all together
Preparing the Potatoes
Slice the potatoes as thin as you can. A mandoline slicer works great, but a sharp knife and a little patience will do the trick.
Cooking the Meat
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Drain excess fat if needed.
Layering the Casserole
Start with a layer of potatoes in a greased baking dish. Follow with some cooked meat, a sprinkle of cheese, and a bit of your creamy base. Repeat until everything is used up, ending with cheese on top.
Baking to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Thin, even potato slices help everything cook at the same rate.
- Season each layer so the flavors blend well throughout.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps it set up for easy slicing.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap ground beef for turkey, sausage, or even shredded chicken
- Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor
- Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for more cheesy goodness
- Try cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup for a richer base
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, serve it with a simple side salad or steamed green beans. A slice of crusty bread never hurts either!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop a slice in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What’s the best potato to use?
Russets work great because they get soft and creamy, but Yukon Golds hold their shape a bit better.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Just assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F, adding about 20 extra minutes.
How do I make this lighter?
Use ground turkey, a lower-fat creamy base, and go easy on the cheese.
Conclusion
Meat and potato casserole is the kind of recipe that makes life a little easier and a whole lot tastier. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or just because you need something cozy, this one’s always a winner.
Print
Hearty Meat and Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Meat & Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together in one satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this casserole is easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and beef broth until well combined.
- Layer the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes, followed by half of the cooked beef. Repeat with remaining potatoes and beef.
- Pour sauce over layers and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra creaminess, add ½ cup of sour cream to the sauce.
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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