This Meat and Potato Casserole could be the most comforting of all — think savory ground beef, tender layers of sliced potatoes and a creamy mushroom sauce. Spiced with optional garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary, and adorned with melted cheese, the casserole is a great family dinner or gathering dish. Using simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you’ll have a tasty, balanced meal with little work. But was also nice served warm, and enjoyed every comforting bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

One-Dish Wonder: You get all of what you love in this recipe into one baking dish, so cooking and cleanup are a snap.

Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, hearty, this casserole embodies comfort food.

Versatile Ingredients: You can change the meat, seasonings or cheese, and for the most part you’ll get amazing results.

Good for Leftovers: This casserole is a goodkeeper, so it’s great for meal-prepping or simple lunches the next day.

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Key Ingredients:

Great ingredients correctly prepared make for a delicious casserole.

Ground Beef or Venison: Ground beef will give you the traditional taste, while the venison offers a great flavor for those who like a more gamey taste. If using venison, season on the stronger side to help pull out that rich flavor.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: A nice bit of creaminess here If you want to take the time, homemade cream of mushroom soup is a total game changer! If you want a substitute, cream of chicken soup is also a great option.

Potatoes: Both potatoes are sliced thin, so they cook evenly. Russet potatoes are a great choice because they hold up well in casseroles, but if you prefer a creamier texture you can also use Yukon gold potatoes.

Cheese: Cheddar will do, for its sharpness, but go ahead and play with mozzarella, Colby Jack, even pepper jack if you want heat.

Stock and Milk: Adding some stock and milk to the soup mixture thins it out a bit, making for a smoother sauce that seeps between the layers of potatoes and meat.

For the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions check the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat to 350°F (175°C): To have the oven ready when it’s time to bake the casserole.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Dish

Grease the Dish: To help the lasagna from sticking and make cleanup easier, lightly coat an 11×7-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Heat the Pan: Set the frying pan on the stove over medium heat.

Add Ingredients: Add ground beef, diced onions and your seasonings of choice (garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary) Add salt and pepper to taste.

Cook Until Browned: Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and broken up and the onions are softened.

Drain off excess fat: To remove all the fat, place the mixture in a colander and let the fat drain out, or spoon the fat off of the meat in the pan.

Step 4:Prepare the Soup Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, stock, and milk or cream.

Mix Until Blended: Combine until smooth and well mixed to form your casserole sauce.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Layer the Potatoes: Place half of the potato slices in a single layer across the entire bottom of a baking dish.

Pour Soup Mixture: Pour about one-fourth of the soup mixture over the potatoes and spread evenly.

Add the beef layer: Sprinkle half of the browned meat mixture over the potatoes, covered with soup.

Top With Cheese: Add half of the shredded cheese on top of meat layer.

Repeat Layers:

Top with another layer of potatoes.

Pour over more soup mixture.

Add the other half of the beef, then top with the remaining cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the Baking Dish: Next, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This holds in moisture, aiding the potatoes in cooking through.

Bake: Once in the preheated oven, bake for approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours. The casserole is ready when a fork pierces the potatoes with no resistance.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Cool Slightly: Take the casserole out of the oven and rest it for a few minutes. It allows flavors to meld and makes for easier serving.

Enjoy Layers of Flavor: To serve, slice to desired size and enjoy warm layers of flavor!

Serving Suggestions:

This meat and potatoes casserole is a filling main course on its own, but it can also stand up to a couple of easy side dishes if you want to round out the meal.

Crisp Green Salad: A crisp green salad served with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast to the rich creamy casserole.

Steamed Vegetables: Side options can include broccoli, green beans or carrots, and make a nice colorful addition to your plate.

Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread for scooping up any leftover sauce.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

This casserole is ideal for leftovers and meal prepping! Here’s how to get the best out of it:

Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, either microwave individual servings, or heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Freezing: You can freeze portions of this casserole for meals down the road. Transfer servings to airtight containers, then freeze up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat.

Meal Prep Tip: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it unbaked in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, throw it in the oven, bake as directed. That can save a lot of time on cramped nights.

Recipe Variations:

Feel free to make this meat and potato casserole flexible! Here are some zany ways to make it your own:

Add Veggies: Mix in extra vegetables such as chopped carrots, bell peppers and peas. Sauté them with the ground beef for added color and nutrition.

Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat for a zesty twist. A sprinkle of pepper jack cheese can also bring some heat.

Alternate Meats: You can make this using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. A nice spicy Italian sausage also works, for a stronger, spicier flavor.

Herby Twist: Stir in fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, into the sauce for a floral, earthy touch. Fresh rosemary or sage also adds a warm, comforting flavor.

Cheesy Upgrade: A mixture of mozzarella, Gruyère and/or sharp cheddar will add depth. A sprinkle of Parmesan over the top before baking forms a golden crust laced with more savory goodness.

Conclusion:

There’s something so cozy about a meat and potato casserole — it’s a classic for a reason! It is simple to prepare, cheap and infinitely customizable. If you’re cooking for a group or making meals for the week, this casserole is sure to provide comfort and satisfaction in every mouthful.” So gather your ingredients, layer it up and enjoy this comforting, classic meal with family and friends.