Must-Try Meat and Potato Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort food takes center stage with this hearty meat and potato casserole that promises to delight every taste bud.

Layers of tender meat meld perfectly with creamy potatoes in a dish that speaks to pure satisfaction.

Rich flavors burst through each carefully crafted bite, creating a symphony of culinary comfort.

Russet potatoes and savory ground beef form the backbone of this classic recipe.

Warm herbs and a golden, crispy topping elevate this simple yet profound meal to new heights.

This casserole transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Meat and Potato Casserole

• Budget-Friendly Feast: Transforms simple ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and pantry staples into a hearty, filling meal without breaking the bank.
• Crowd-Pleasing Powerhouse: Delivers rich, satisfying flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will love this classic one-dish wonder.
• Meal Prep Magic: Easily prepared in advance, reheats beautifully, and makes fantastic leftovers for busy weeknights or quick lunch options throughout the week.

What Goes Into a Classic Meat and Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful meat that creates the hearty base of the casserole.

• Cheese: Melty goodness that adds creamy richness.
• Milk or Cream: Smooth ingredient that helps create a luscious sauce.

• Onion: Sweet and aromatic vegetable that adds depth of flavor.
• Potatoes: Comforting and starchy base that makes the casserole filling.

• Seasonings: Spices that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy sauce that adds moisture and flavor.
• Stock: Rich liquid that helps create a delicious sauce.

• Cooking Spray: Non-stick helper for easy casserole preparation.

How to Prepare Your Meat and Potato Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for a delicious comfort food adventure.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Vessel

Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Brown the Meaty Base

• Ground beef
• Diced onions
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light and tasty.

Step 4: Create Creamy Soup Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Chicken stock
• Heavy cream

Blend until the mixture looks super smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Build Amazing Layers

Start constructing your casserole with these delicious layers:

First layer: Half the sliced potatoes

Drizzle a quarter of the creamy soup mixture

Sprinkle half the beef mixture

Scatter a generous handful of shredded cheese

Repeat these layers one more time, making sure cheese crowns the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 60-90 minutes until potatoes turn fork-tender and golden.

Step 7: Rest and Indulge

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to settle and cool slightly.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with pure joy!

Tips for the Best Meat and Potato Layers

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Always drain excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a lighter, healthier meal.
• Spread cheese evenly across layers for a deliciously melted and balanced flavor in every bite.
• Cover with foil during baking to retain moisture and prevent the top from burning while allowing potatoes to become tender.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary preferences without compromising the casserole's hearty essence.

Storage and Reheat Info for Potato and Meat Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil, where it can last up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through completely.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming and maintain moisture.

What to Serve With a Meat and Potato Bake

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot that complements the rich, hearty flavors of the meat and potato casserole without overpowering the dish.
• Craft Beer Companion: Opt for an amber ale or brown ale with malty undertones that match the casserole's robust and comforting profile, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Fresh Side Salad Balancer: Prepare a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette dressing to cut through the casserole's creamy texture and provide a light, refreshing contrast to the heavy main dish.
• Citrus-Infused Beverage Pairing: Serve a sparkling lemonade or citrus-based spritzer to add brightness and cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, cheesy casserole.

Fun Twists on the Classic Meat and Potato Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable stock and choose vegetarian-friendly cheese.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content. Keep the creamy soup mixture and protein layer for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and verify all seasonings are gluten-free. Replace regular cheese with certified gluten-free cheese options.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add diced bell peppers, swap ground beef for ground lamb, and incorporate herbs like oregano and rosemary. Top with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage for a different flavor profile.

• Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes before adding them to the casserole?

No, you can use raw sliced potatoes. They will cook thoroughly during the baking process and absorb the delicious soup mixture.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it uncooked for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

• Can I make this casserole without cream of mushroom soup?

While the cream of mushroom soup adds rich flavor, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce if needed.

Meat And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Meat and Potato Casserole brings rustic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Layers of tender beef, creamy potatoes, and rich seasonings create a satisfying meal that warms souls and delivers pure homestyle deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef or venison
• 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 potatoes)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup (homemade or canned)
• 1/2 cup stock (any kind)
• 1/4 cup milk or cream

Seasoning and Aromatic Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika or rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by adjusting the oven temperature to a moderate 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare a rectangular baking vessel by lightly coating its interior with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Transform ground beef in a sizzling skillet over medium flame, incorporating diced onions and selected seasonings until the meat turns rich brown and crumbly.
4. Carefully drain any accumulated fatty residue from the meat mixture to ensure a cleaner flavor profile.
5. Craft a silky sauce by whisking cream of mushroom soup with savory stock and creamy milk until achieving a uniform, luxurious consistency.
6. Construct the casserole’s foundation by arranging a preliminary layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared dish.
7. Cascade a portion of the velvety soup mixture evenly over the potato landscape.
8. Distribute a hearty portion of the seasoned meat across the potato terrain.
9. Generously sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese to create a molten, golden blanket.
10. Replicate the layering process, strategically positioning the remaining potatoes, soup mixture, meat, and culminating with a crowning cheese layer.
11. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a protective culinary tent.
12. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 60-90 minutes until the potatoes surrender to tender perfection.
13. Remove from the oven and permit the casserole a brief moment of repose, allowing flavors to harmonize before serving.
14. Slice and present this comforting medley, inviting eager diners to indulge in its warm, hearty embrace.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to add unique flavor dimensions.
• Consider adding vegetables like carrots or peas to increase nutritional value and create a more balanced one-dish meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg