If you’re craving a cozy, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the rich savoriness of seasoned ground meat with tender, thinly sliced potatoes all baked together under a melting blanket of cheese. This casserole is the perfect way to bring comfort food magic to your dinner table with simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and satisfying texture. Whether it’s a family meal or a casual get-together, this Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe is simple yet vital, contributing to the dish’s hearty flavor, smooth texture, and mouthwatering aroma. These essentials come together like old friends ensuring your casserole is a guaranteed hit every time.
- 1 lb. lean ground beef or venison: Provides the savory base with plenty of protein and robust flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meat.
- 1 tsp each garlic powder, paprika, rosemary (optional): These spices elevate the meat’s flavor profile with warmth and a touch of earthiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other ingredients.
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 potatoes): The star carbohydrate that softens perfectly while baking, soaking up all the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy sauce that binds everything together with comforting richness.
- 1/2 cup stock (any kind): Adds moisture and deeper umami notes to the casserole.
- 1/4 cup milk or cream: Enhances creaminess and silkiness of the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese: Melts beautifully into gooey goodness that crowns the dish.
How to Make Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready when your casserole assembly is complete. Then, grease an 11×7-inch glass baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Onions
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and lean ground beef or venison together until the meat browns and the onions soften. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary for extra warmth, then season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the final casserole from being too oily.
Step 3: Whisk Together Your Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, stock, and milk or cream. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, whisking thoroughly. This sauce will tenderize the potatoes and infuse the entire dish with creamy, savory flavor.
Step 4: Layer Your Ingredients
Begin layering by spreading half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour some of the soup mixture over these potatoes, then add half of the cooked meat mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, soup mixture, meat, and cheese for luscious layering that guarantees flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Tender
Cover the baking dish with greased aluminum foil—this keeps moisture trapped inside and prevents sticking. Bake the casserole for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. The slow baking lets all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Let It Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest a few minutes to set up so it slices neatly and serves elegantly. This little patience pays off with a comforting, hearty dish ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a bright, fresh contrast to your Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe, while a little cracked black pepper on top adds an inviting aroma and a bit of spice to each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans to balance its richness with fresh and crunchy notes. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins—perfect for portion control and charming presentation. Another idea is to add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on top to elevate flavors and add variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes a fantastic ready-to-eat meal on busy days or for quick lunches.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a comforting meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions but the oven method keeps the texture perfectly balanced.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! While ground beef or venison are traditional, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative. Just be mindful that leaner meats may need a bit more seasoning to boost flavor.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, it is. Simply use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own creamy mushroom sauce to avoid gluten. Everything else in the Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Diced carrots, peas, or mushrooms work great layered in for extra nutrition and texture. Just cook them lightly beforehand to ensure they soften properly in the baking time.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar is a classic choice because it melts well and has great flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness and mild creaminess.
How thin should the potato slices be?
A thin slice around 1/8 inch thick is ideal. This thickness allows the potatoes to cook through evenly while soaking up all the delicious sauce and seasoning.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way this Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe comes together—simple ingredients creating an unforgettable layered dish that warms the soul. Whether you’re new to casseroles or a seasoned home cook, this recipe offers a comforting meal with easy steps anyone can follow. Grab your favorite ingredients, and I promise you’ll love this trusty go-to dish that brings hearty satisfaction every time.
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Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Meat & Potato Casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and melted cheese, baked to perfection for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb. lean ground beef or venison
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Casserole
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 potatoes)
- 1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
- 1/2 cup stock (any kind)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 11×7-inch glass baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onion and ground meat until browned and fully cooked. Season with garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, stock, milk (or cream), and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a creamy mixture.
- Layer Ingredients: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Pour some of the soup mixture over the potatoes, then add half of the cooked meat and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, soup mixture, meat, and cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with greased aluminum foil (grease side down to prevent sticking) and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking before serving to let the flavors meld and to avoid burns.
Notes
- You can substitute venison for ground beef for a leaner, gamey flavor.
- Using cream of mushroom soup affects gluten-free status; choose gluten-free versions if needed.
- Greasing the aluminum foil prevents the cheese from sticking when baking.
- Use a mandoline slicer to get evenly thin potato slices for uniform cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
