Meat and Potato Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and creamy mushroom sauce. Topped with melted cheese, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering rich flavors in every bite. The addition of optional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary adds an aromatic touch, while the cream of mushroom soup creates a creamy sauce that brings everything together.
This easy-to-make casserole is great for busy nights or when you need a filling, satisfying meal. It’s versatile enough to accommodate different types of ground meat and can be adjusted with your favorite spices.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Comforting and Filling: Perfect blend of potatoes, meat, and cheese for a satisfying meal.
• Easy to Customize: Add your favorite seasonings or swap the beef for venison or ground turkey.
• One-Dish Meal: All-in-one casserole that’s easy to prepare and serve.
Ingredients:
• 1 ½ cups cream of mushroom soup (leftover homemade soup or 1 can)
• 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary (optional)
• 1 pound lean ground beef or venison
• 1 onion, chopped
• ½ cup stock (any kind)
• ¼ cup milk or cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
• 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 potatoes)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease an 11×7-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
• In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion, optional seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary), and pepper.
• Continue cooking until the beef is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
• In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, stock, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
• Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Pour about a quarter of the soup mixture over the potatoes.
• Layer half of the browned beef and half of the shredded cheese over the soup.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
5. Bake:
• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Serve:
• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
• Thin Potato Slices: Slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking. A mandoline slicer works well for this.
• Cheese Variety: Try using a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor.
• Additional Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezer: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
This Meat and Potato Casserole is a classic, cozy meal that brings together rich, savory flavors with minimal prep, making it perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal!
