Savory Meat and Potato Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Hearty comfort food reaches new heights with this classic meat and potato casserole recipe that warms souls on chilly evenings.

Layers of tender beef mingle perfectly with creamy potatoes in every delectable bite.

Home cooks have treasured this simple yet satisfying dish for generations.

Robust flavors blend seamlessly through slow baking, creating a golden-brown masterpiece that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Affordable ingredients come together effortlessly in this no-fuss meal that promises to satisfy even the hungriest appetites.

Rich, savory, and deeply comforting, this casserole delivers pure culinary nostalgia with minimal preparation.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this dish remains a timeless favorite for families seeking delicious, hearty meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Meat and Potato Casserole

• Lean Ground Beef, Venison: Choose high-quality, freshly ground meat with minimal fat for a leaner, more flavorful casserole; wild game adds unique richness.
• Potatoes: Select firm, starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold that hold shape during baking; slice uniformly for even cooking.

• Onion: Provides sweet, aromatic base that complements meat; fresh yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Rosemary: Dried herbs and spices add depth, warmth, and earthy undertones; use high-quality, recently purchased seasonings for maximum flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and heightening overall taste; freshly ground black pepper offers more vibrant notes.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Stock, Milk or Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture that helps bind ingredients; homemade versions offer richer flavor than canned alternatives.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness and golden-brown surface; sharp cheddar or blend of cheeses recommended for complex taste profile.

Tools for Assembling Meat and Potato Casserole

• Oven: Essential for baking the casserole at the right temperature.
• 11×7-inch glass baking dish: Perfect size for layering ingredients evenly.
• Medium pan: Used for cooking ground beef and onions.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining soup, stock, and milk.
• Foil: Covers casserole during baking to retain moisture.
• Cooking spray: Prevents ingredients from sticking to the baking dish.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps in mixing and stirring ingredients.
• Knife: For slicing potatoes and cutting the final casserole.

How to Bake Meat and Potato Casserole

• Oven Preparation Kitchen warmth begins with preheating the oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for our delicious casserole.
• Baking Dish Setup Select a glass baking dish and give it a light spray to ensure nothing sticks during our cooking adventure.
• Meat and Onion Magic Brown ground beef with chopped onions in a sizzling pan, letting the flavors dance together. Sprinkle in some seasonings to enhance the taste and cook until the meat looks perfectly done.
• Creamy Liquid Foundation Whisk together a silky smooth mixture of soup, stock, and cream that will bind our casserole with rich, comforting goodness.
• Layering Technique Create delicious layers by spreading potatoes, pouring soup mixture, sprinkling meat, and adding cheese. Repeat these layers to build depth of flavor and texture.
• Baking Transformation Cover the casserole with foil and slide it into the oven. Let it bake until potatoes become tender and the entire dish bubbles with deliciousness, typically around one hour.
• Serving Moment Allow the casserole to rest briefly after removing from the oven, then slice and serve this warm, inviting meal that promises to comfort and satisfy.

Tips for Layering Meat and Potato Casserole Right

• Swap russet potatoes with sweet potatoes or red potatoes for a different flavor profile and added nutritional variety.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the casserole exciting.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack to add extra depth and personalized taste to your dish.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms between potato layers for more texture and flavor complexity.
• Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, using spicy sausage instead of ground beef, or incorporating a dash of hot sauce for those who love a little zinger in their comfort food.

Serving Meat and Potato Casserole Comfort-Style

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
• Rustic Comfort Plate: Pair the casserole with tangy pickles or quick-pickled vegetables to add a zesty crunch that complements the rich, creamy texture of the dish.
• Weekend Brunch Companion: Top each serving with a sunny-side-up egg or crispy bacon bits to transform this casserole into a satisfying weekend breakfast or brunch option that'll make mouths water.
• Herb Garden Touch: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or green onions over the top just before serving to bring a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the casserole's richness and adds a pop of color.

Storing Leftovers from Meat and Potato Casserole

• Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store leftover casserole in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezer Wisdom: Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in freezer-safe wrap or containers. These meals can stay frozen for 2-3 months without losing taste or texture. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Thaw refrigerated casserole in the microwave or oven. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of milk or stock to restore moisture when reheating. Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, keeping it covered in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and saves precious time during busy weeknights. Simply remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking and extend cooking time by 10-15 minutes if coming straight from the cold.

Hearty Meat And Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty meat and potato casserole promises comfort with layers of savory goodness. Classic midwestern dish delivers rich flavors and satisfying warmth you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef (or venison)
• 3 cups (750 ml) thinly sliced potatoes (approx 5 potatoes)
• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) shredded cheese
• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) cream of mushroom soup (homemade or canned)
• ½ cup (125 ml) stock (any variety)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk or cream
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 tsp rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal thermal environment for the casserole’s transformation.
2. Setup: Anoint an 11×7-inch glass baking vessel with cooking spray, establishing a non-adherent foundation.
3. Meat Foundation: In a skillet, caramelize ground beef with onions, infusing the protein with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Render and drain excess lipids, developing a robust flavor profile.
4. Liquid Harmony: Whisk cream of mushroom soup, beef stock, and whole milk into a silken emulsion, binding the casserole’s components.
5. Layering Technique: Construct the first stratum by spreading potato slices across the dish’s base, cascading a quarter of the soup mixture to create a moisture-rich landscape.
6. Protein Dispersal: Scatter seasoned ground beef across the potato terrain, lavishing the surface with a blanket of shredded cheese.
7. Secondary Stratification: Repeat the layering ritual – potato slices, soup mixture, remaining beef, culminating in a final cheese coronation.
8. Moisture Preservation: Shroud the casserole with aluminum foil, sealing in succulence and ensuring uniform heat distribution.
9. Thermal Transformation: Bake for 1-1.25 hours, monitoring potato tenderness through gentle fork penetration.
10. Resting Phase: Extract from oven, allowing a 10-minute interlude for flavor melding and structural stabilization.
11. Serving Finale: Carve into portions, presenting a warm, comforting culinary embrace.

Notes

• Prep Efficiently: Slice potatoes and chop onions beforehand to streamline the cooking process and save valuable time in the kitchen.
• Control Fat Content: Thoroughly drain ground beef after cooking to reduce excess grease and create a lighter, less oily casserole.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded varieties.
• Check Potato Doneness: Test potato tenderness by inserting a fork – it should glide smoothly through the layers without resistance, indicating perfect cooking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg