Meat and Potato Casserole

 This  Meat and Potato  Casserole is the definition of comfort food. Featuring savory layers of seasoned  ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce all topped with melted cheese, it’s a hearty, all-in-one meal that is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying for the whole family.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 4-5 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), thinly sliced

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

• 1 tbsp butter or oil (for greasing)
  

  Instructions

  1. Prep and Preheat:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch or similar  baking dish with  butter or oil.

  2. Cook the  Meat Layer:

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease.

  • Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

  3. Prepare the Cream Sauce:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until you have a smooth, pourable sauce.

  4. Assemble the Casserole:

  • First Layer: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

  • Second Layer: Spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the potatoes.

  • Third Layer: Pour half of the cream sauce evenly over the beef.

  • Repeat: Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and cream sauce.

  • Final Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. For a golden finish, dust with paprika.

  5. Bake to Perfection:

  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

  • Remove the foil and continue baking, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown.

  6. Serve:

  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set for easier serving.

  Pro Tips & Variations

  • Potato Prep: For even cooking, try to slice the potatoes to a uniform thickness, about ¼-inch thick. A mandoline slicer works perfectly for this.

  • Make it Cheesier: Feel free to add more cheese between the layers for an extra indulgent casserole.

  • Add Veggies: Incorporate a layer of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots) between the meat and potatoes for a nutritional boost.

  • Crispy Topping: For a crunchy texture, mix ¼ cup of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the shredded cheese before sprinkling it on top.

  • Alternative Proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork sausage can be used in place of the ground beef.