Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about digging into a bubbling Meat & Potato Casserole straight from the oven. The smell of savory beef mingling with tender potatoes and melty cheese is enough to gather everyone around the table before you even announce dinner. This hearty casserole layers all the classic comfort food flavors in one dish, making it perfect for cozy nights or feeding a hungry crowd. Sometimes, the simplest ingredients come together in the most magical way—and this Meat & Potato Casserole is proof.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—each ingredient is an MVP when it comes to taste, texture, or color. Together, they create a casserole that’s rich, hearty, and satisfying, with a soothing balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy in every bite.

• Ground beef: Adds a robust, meaty foundation; you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
• Russet potatoes: Their starchy texture gets wonderfully soft and soak up all the flavors—slice them thin for even cooking.
• Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and a subtle bite, rounding out the flavor base.
• Garlic: Two cloves give a gentle aroma and delicious savory note without overwhelming the dish.
• Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic to start the flavor party.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing all the casserole’s other flavors—don’t skimp!
• Black pepper: Gives a mild heat and earthiness, balancing out the creaminess.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness that complements the beef beautifully.
• Dried thyme: Brings a herby depth; just a pinch gives the casserole a warm, homey note.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Classic sharpness and creaminess that melts perfectly into the layers.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey stretch and mild flavor; together with cheddar, it’s cheese heaven.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a creamy, flavor-packed binder for the whole dish—opt for low-sodium if you’re watching salt.
• Whole milk: Thins out the soup just enough and helps everything meld together when baked.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness right before serving.

How to Make Meat & Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Before all those wonderful ingredients come together, start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, peel and thinly slice your potatoes—the thinner the better for even, tender layers. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. Prepping ahead makes all the difference for smooth layering later!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef

In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Toss in the chopped onions and let them soften for about 3 minutes—don’t rush this step, as the sweetness sets the stage for everything else. Stir in the minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add your ground beef. Break the meat apart as it cooks, letting it brown thoroughly. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme to layer in flavor right from the start. Remove from heat once the beef is fully cooked and aromatic.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and whole milk until smooth. This luscious mixture will soak into every nook and cranny of your casserole, bringing that classic, cozy texture each bite is known for. No lumps—just creamy goodness.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Now comes the fun part: building your Meat & Potato Casserole! Start with half of your sliced potatoes, arranging them in an even layer in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, add half of the flavorful beef mixture, followed by half the soup mixture, and scatter on half the cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and cheese, making sure the final cheese layer covers everything for a golden top.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover your assembled casserole tightly with foil. Set it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes—this initial bake steams the potatoes for perfect tenderness. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, until your cheese topping is melted, golden, and deliciously bubbly. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will have everyone hovering nearby!

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let the casserole stand for a good 5 to 10 minutes. This short wait helps everything set for cleaner slices. Sprinkle on fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Serve Meat & Potato Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a beautiful, classic touch, adding a pop of color and garden-bright aroma to your Meat & Potato Casserole. If you’re feeling creative, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a handful of thinly sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is so hearty, keep side dishes light and fresh. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette creates a lovely contrast, or serve with simple steamed green beans or broccoli. Want to round things out? Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style charm, bring the bubbling Meat & Potato Casserole straight to the table in its baking dish and let everyone dig in. For dinner parties, try cutting the casserole into neat squares and arranging them on a warmed platter, topped with a fresh parsley or chive sprinkle. You can even bake individual portions in ramekins for a personalized touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Meat & Potato Casserole stores beautifully, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Once the casserole cools to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days—just reheat and you’re ready for round two!

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely and wrap the dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap, or portion out servings into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm your refrigerated or thawed casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20-25 minutes or until hot throughout. Individual portions can also be microwaved in a pinch, though oven-baking helps retain the perfect texture and gets the cheese bubbling again.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat in this casserole?

Absolutely! While ground beef brings that classic, savory flavor, you can swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. If you want to make it vegetarian, cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute can stand in beautifully.

Can I make Meat & Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let the dish sit out for about 20 minutes at room temperature before sliding it into the oven. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

What kind of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are classic for this casserole, thanks to their fluffy texture and ability to absorb all those delicious flavors. Yukon Golds or red potatoes also work well if you want a slightly creamier or waxier bite.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! Peas, corn, or sliced carrots are fantastic additions—just add them in with the beef layers. You can sneak in extra veggies without losing that signature Meat & Potato Casserole flavor.

How do I keep the casserole from being watery?

Thinly slicing the potatoes helps them cook evenly and release less moisture. Also, letting the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving lets everything set up perfectly, resulting in clean, hearty slices.

Final Thoughts

If you crave cozy comfort food, you can’t go wrong with this Meat & Potato Casserole. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to pass down and make on repeat, whether for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a true kitchen classic!

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