The Ultimate Meat and Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

The meat and potato casserole represents pure comfort food magic that revolutionizes simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.

Layers of rich ground beef intertwine with soft potato slices, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

Hearty seasonings dance through each bite, promising robust flavors that satisfy deep hunger.

Creamy sauces and melted cheese elevate this classic dish beyond ordinary weeknight dinners.

Family members will appreciate the wholesome blend of protein and carbohydrates that feels simultaneously nostalgic and delicious.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation effort.

The result promises a crowd-pleasing meal that fills bellies and warms hearts.

Everything That Goes Into This Hearty Bake

Main Ingredients:

Ground Beef and Onion: -Ground Beef, Onion: Hearty protein base with sweet aromatic flavor that creates the main savory layer of the casserole. Fresh ground beef with moderate fat content works best.

Potatoes: -Potatoes: Starchy foundation that provides substance and texture to the casserole. Russet or Idaho potatoes with firm texture are ideal for slicing and baking.

Dairy and Liquid Components:

Cream of Mushroom Soup, Stock, Milk/Cream: -Cream of Mushroom Soup, Stock, Milk/Cream: Creamy binding agents that add rich moisture and depth of flavor to the casserole. Low-sodium stock helps control salt levels.

Shredded Cheese: -Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that adds rich, tangy flavor and creates golden brown crispy surface. Sharp cheddar or mild cheese works well.

Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:

Garlic Powder, Paprika, Rosemary, Salt, Pepper, Cooking Spray: -Garlic Powder, Paprika, Rosemary: Aromatic spices that enhance meat flavor. Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste. Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps easy removal from baking dish.

How to Make a Filling Dish That Pleases Everyone

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your baking dish ready by lightly spraying an 11×7-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Rosemary (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook until the meat is fully browned and onions become soft. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Stock
• Milk or cream

Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

• First layer: Half of the sliced potatoes
• Drizzle 1/4 of the soup mixture
• Sprinkle half of the cooked meat
• Add half of the shredded cheese

Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours. Check potato tenderness by gently piercing with a fork.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest briefly. Cut into portions while warm and serve immediately.

Enjoy your comforting and delicious meat and potato casserole!

Tips for Even Cooking and Creamy Layers

• Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Cut potatoes into even, thin slices to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely from ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy and maintain a clean, rich flavor.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Try different herbs like thyme or oregano to add depth and personalize the flavor profile of your casserole.
• Choose the Right Cheese: Select a melting cheese like cheddar or monterey jack for maximum creaminess and golden-brown top layer.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover casserole with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, then uncover for the last 15-20 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden surface.

Reheating Tips That Keep It as Good as Day One

• Refrigeration: Transfer cooled casserole into an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish fresh and delicious for later enjoyment.
• Freezing: Wrap the casserole securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time and maintain quality.
• Reheating: Thaw refrigerated or frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Sides That Complete This Comfort Meal

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold cabernet sauvignon or merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole, cutting through its creamy texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula or mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the hearty casserole, balancing its heaviness with bright, clean notes.
• Add Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread makes an excellent side, perfect for soaking up the creamy soup mixture and adding a delightful crunch to your meal, creating a complete and satisfying plate.
• Enjoy with Craft Beer: Choose a medium-bodied amber ale or porter that matches the casserole's depth, offering a malty, slightly hoppy flavor that stands up to the rich meat and potato combination.

Variations That Keep It Fresh and Filling

• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage, add diced green chiles, swap cream of mushroom soup for enchilada sauce, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Veggie-Loaded Comfort: Substitute ground beef with a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of stock, and add fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Creamy Bacon Upgrade: Mix crispy bacon bits into the meat layer, use sharp cheddar cheese, incorporate a dollop of sour cream into the soup mixture, and top with green onions for a rich, indulgent take on the classic casserole.
• Mediterranean Herb Transformation: Use ground lamb instead of beef, add roasted garlic, mix in crumbled feta cheese, sprinkle with oregano and rosemary, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Why This Casserole Is the Meat-and-Potatoes Dream

• Comfort Food Champion: This hearty casserole wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors that remind you of home-cooked family dinners, delivering pure comfort in every single bite.
• Effortless Layered Delight: The simple layering technique makes this recipe foolproof, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking skills and maximum satisfaction.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Ready in just about 90 minutes, this one-dish wonder provides a complete balanced meal packed with protein, carbohydrates, and cheesy goodness that fills hungry bellies without complicated preparation steps.

Meat And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Meat and Potato Casserole brings hearty Midwestern flavors to your dinner table. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef (or venison)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 3 cups (750 milliliters) thinly sliced potatoes (approximately 5 potatoes)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Liquid and Dairy Components:

• 1 ½ cups (375 milliliters) cream of mushroom soup (either homemade or canned)
• ½ cup (125 milliliters) stock (any variety)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk or cream
• 1 ½ cups (375 milliliters) shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature for the casserole.
2. Lightly grease an 11×7-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent ingredients from sticking.
3. In a medium skillet, brown ground beef with finely chopped onions over medium heat. Season with garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent, then carefully drain excess fat.
4. Whisk cream of mushroom soup, beef stock, and whole milk in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
5. Create the first layer by arranging half of the thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle one-quarter of the soup mixture evenly over the potatoes.
6. Distribute half of the seasoned ground beef across the potato layer, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
7. Repeat the layering process: add remaining potato slices, pour another portion of soup mixture, spread the rest of the ground beef, and top with the final layer of cheese.
8. Securely cover the casserole with aluminum foil to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
10. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.
11. Slice into portions and serve warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

• Elevate your dinner game with this hearty, no-fuss casserole that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece.
• Prep work becomes a breeze when you chop onions and slice potatoes ahead of time, streamlining the entire cooking process.
• Ground beef provides a protein-packed base, while cream of mushroom soup adds rich, velvety texture that binds everything together deliciously.
• Cheese creates a golden, bubbly topping that melts perfectly, creating irresistible crispy edges everyone will fight over.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this dish ideal for meal prep and quick family meals throughout the week.
• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain the casserole’s original creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 80mg