Meat and Potato Casserole

This Meat and Potato Casserole is the ultimate cozy dish, combining savory ground beef, tender layers of sliced potatoes, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Seasoned with optional garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary, and topped with melted cheese, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you’ll enjoy a delicious, well-rounded meal with minimal effort. Serve warm, and savor each comforting bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

One-Dish Wonder: This recipe combines everything you love into one baking dish, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, this casserole is the definition of comfort food.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily switch up the meat, seasonings, or cheese, and still get amazing results.
Great for Leftovers: This casserole keeps well, making it perfect for meal-prepping or easy next-day lunches.

Key Ingredients:

Using quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation makes all the difference in achieving the best flavors and textures in your casserole.

Ground Beef or Venison: Ground beef is the classic choice, but venison adds a unique flavor for those who enjoy a gamey taste. If using venison, add a bit more seasoning to bring out its rich flavor.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This soup adds a delicious creaminess. If you have time, homemade cream of mushroom soup is a game-changer! If you’re looking for a substitute, cream of chicken soup also works well.
Potatoes: Thinly slicing the potatoes ensures they cook evenly. Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold up well in casseroles, but Yukon gold potatoes are also a good choice if you prefer a creamier texture.
Cheese: Cheddar is a great choice for its sharp flavor, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Stock and Milk: Adding a bit of stock and milk to the soup mixture helps thin it out, creating a smoother sauce that permeates the layers of potatoes and meat.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat to 350°F (175°C): This ensures the oven is ready to bake the casserole evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease the Dish: Lightly coat an 11×7-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Heat the Pan: Place a frying pan over medium heat on the stove.
Add Ingredients: Add ground beef, chopped onions, and your chosen seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook Until Browned: Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and crumbly and the onions have softened.
Drain Excess Fat: Discard any fat by draining the meat mixture in a colander or use a spoon to remove fat from the pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Soup Mixture

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, stock, and milk or cream.
Mix Well: Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, forming a creamy sauce for the casserole.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Layer Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Add Soup Mixture: Pour about a quarter of the soup mixture over the potatoes, spreading evenly.
Add Beef Layer: Scatter half of the browned meat mixture over the soup-covered potatoes.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the meat layer.
Repeat Layers:
Add another layer of potatoes.
Pour over more soup mixture.
Add the remaining beef and finish with the rest of the cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Cover the Dish: Use aluminum foil to cover the baking dish. This traps moisture, helping the potatoes cook through.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. The casserole is done when a fork pierces the potatoes easily.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
Serve Warm: Cut into portions and serve warm, enjoying the comforting flavors of this layered casserole.

Serving Suggestions:

This meat and potato casserole is a satisfying main dish on its own, but you can also pair it with a few simple sides to complete the meal.

Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make great side options and add a pop of color to your plate.
Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion for scooping up any extra sauce.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

This casserole is perfect for leftovers and meal prepping! Here’s how to make the most of it:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, microwave individual portions or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Freezing: You can also freeze portions of this casserole for future meals. Place servings in airtight containers, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Meal Prep Tip: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This can be a huge time-saver on busy nights.

Recipe Variations:

This meat and potato casserole is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to put your own twist on it:

Add Vegetables: Sneak in more veggies like diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas. Sauté them with the ground beef for extra color and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Mix in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat for a spicy twist. A sprinkle of pepper jack cheese can also add a bit of heat.
Different Meat Options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative. Italian sausage also works well for a bolder, slightly spicy flavor.
Herby Twist: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the sauce for a fragrant, earthy note. Fresh rosemary or sage can also give a warm, comforting flavor.
Cheesy Upgrade: Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or sharp cheddar to add complexity. A little Parmesan on top before baking creates a golden crust with extra savory goodness.

Conclusion:

There’s something so heartwarming about a meat and potato casserole—it’s a classic for a reason! This dish is easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this casserole will deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite. So grab your ingredients, layer it up, and enjoy this cozy, classic meal with family and friends.