Meat & Potato Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: A warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any season.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce for an affordable meal.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb. lean ground beef or venison
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp each of garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 potatoes)
• 1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup (or 1 can, may affect gluten-free status)
• 1/2 cup stock (any kind)
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 11×7 inch glass baking dish.
2. In a medium frying pan, cook the onions and ground meat until fully cooked. Add optional seasonings, salt, and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, stock, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Layer half the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour some of the soup mixture over the potatoes, then layer half the cooked meat and half the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
5. Cover the dish with greased aluminum foil (greased side down) to prevent sticking.
6. Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, cheesy topping.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Total Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 530 kcal per serving

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Alternative Cheeses: Use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a mix of your favorite cheeses.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and confirm that other ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used for a slightly sweeter and nutrient-rich twist.

2. What’s the best type of cheese for this casserole?

Cheddar is classic, but you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Can I substitute cream of chicken soup?

Yes, cream of chicken soup works as an alternative to cream of mushroom.

5. How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

Pierce the potatoes with a fork. If they’re tender and the fork slides in easily, they’re done.

6. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Certainly. Try adding layers of spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

7. What type of stock works best?

Beef or chicken stock complements the flavors well, but vegetable stock is a good alternative.

8. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, assemble the casserole in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

9. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Cover the dish with greased foil for most of the baking time and remove it for the last 10 minutes.

10. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, frozen diced or sliced potatoes can be used, but allow them to thaw slightly before assembling the casserole.

Conclusion

This Meat & Potato Casserole is a versatile and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy, cheesy layers and comforting flavors, it’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. Customize it to suit your taste and enjoy leftovers for days. Try it out and make dinner unforgettable!