Looking for a dish that combines heartiness, flavor, and easy preparation? Look no further than a Meat & Potato Casserole! This classic comfort food recipe is a perfect blend of tender beef, flavorful potatoes, and a variety of savory ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy meal for the family, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger.

Why You’ll Love This Meat & Potato Casserole

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole is a go-to for busy nights.
Versatile: You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, seasonings, or cheese.
Budget-Friendly: This dish uses affordable ingredients, making it perfect for anyone on a budget.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its rich flavor and satisfying portions make it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering.

Ingredients for Meat & Potato Casserole

To make a delicious Meat & Potato Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (or your preferred meat, like turkey or sausage)
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or a homemade alternative)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (optional, such as thyme or parsley)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Prepare Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Layer the Casserole: Start by layering half of the thinly sliced potatoes in the dish. Season with salt and pepper. Add half of the cooked meat mixture and top with half of the cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Add Milk: Pour the milk over the casserole to ensure it stays moist while baking.
Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the cheese brown and the potatoes become tender.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Meat & Potato Casserole

Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy casserole, mix in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before layering the potatoes.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for more flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a unique twist.
Leftover Meat: This is a great dish to use up leftover roast beef, chicken, or other meats you have on hand.

Storing and Reheating

This Meat & Potato Casserole is perfect for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Why This Casserole is a Winner

A Meat & Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It combines the satisfying flavors of hearty beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese into a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s perfect for busy nights, family meals, or any occasion where you want something filling and delicious. Plus, with its easy-to-make and versatile nature, this casserole can be adapted to suit any taste.

So, next time you’re craving a delicious, no-fuss meal, try making this Meat & Potato Casserole—it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Serving Tips for Meat & Potato Casserole

Pair with a Fresh Salad: The richness of the casserole pairs wonderfully with a light, fresh salad. Try a simple green salad with a vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw to balance the flavors.
Add a Side of Bread: Serve the casserole with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any delicious sauce and add extra texture to the meal.
Garnish: Fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, can be sprinkled on top just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
Portion Control: This casserole is hearty, so serve it in moderate portions, especially if you’re serving it alongside other dishes. It’s filling, and you’ll want to enjoy it without overstuffing yourself.
Toppings: For a fun twist, top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of green onions, or even a few jalapeños for some heat.

Storage Tips for Meat & Potato Casserole

Refrigeration: Leftover Meat & Potato Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before placing it in the fridge to maintain its texture and prevent condensation.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well! After baking and cooling, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in the oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave for a few minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. If reheating from frozen, allow extra time and bake covered until hot all the way through.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most out of your Meat & Potato Casserole, ensuring it stays delicious and fresh for future meals!

1. Can I use a different type of meat in the casserole?

Yes! While ground beef is commonly used, you can easily substitute it with other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or sausage. If you’re using leftover roast beef or chicken, you can also shred or chop it and add it to the casserole for a great flavor variation.

2. Can I make Meat & Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.

3. How can I make the casserole healthier?

To make the casserole a bit healthier, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a lighter version or make a homemade sauce using low-fat milk and flour. You can also opt for sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a healthier, nutrient-packed alternative, and use lean meats like ground turkey or chicken.

4. Can I freeze Meat & Potato Casserole?

Yes, Meat & Potato Casserole freezes very well! After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in the oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Meat & Potato Casserole

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This Meat & Potato Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made with layers of seasoned ground meat, tender potatoes, and a creamy cheese topping. It’s the perfect dinner for satisfying everyone at the table.

Author: xqppw
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Serves 6-8:

For the casserole:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russets work best)
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef or chicken broth
For the creamy topping:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
Cook the meat mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
Prepare the potatoes:
- Thinly slice the potatoes using a mandoline or a sharp knife for even cooking.
Make the creamy sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream or milk and cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add mustard powder if using.
Assemble the casserole:
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked meat mixture. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and meat.
- Pour the beef or chicken broth evenly over the layers for moisture.
- Drizzle the creamy cheese sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.
Bake the casserole:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden.
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meat.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.