If you’re craving a soul-satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of tender ground meat, thinly sliced potatoes, rich cream of mushroom soup, and bubbling cheese baked to golden perfection. Every bite bursts with comforting flavors and textures, making it a go-to for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, yet the result feels special enough for guests or a weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for creating all the depth and comfort this dish promises. Each item plays a unique role—whether it’s adding savory richness, creamy texture, or a perfect golden crust.
- 1 lb. lean ground beef or venison: Provides a hearty, meaty base that’s packed with flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a touch of sharpness to balance the richness of the meat.
- 1 tsp garlic powder, paprika, rosemary (optional): These spices infuse the casserole with warmth and earthy undertones.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 potatoes): The star starch, providing softness and structure as they bake tender.
- 1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup (or 1 can): Creates a luscious, creamy sauce to coat each layer.
- 1/2 cup stock (any type): Adds depth and moisture for perfectly cooked potatoes.
- 1/4 cup milk or cream: Enhances the creaminess of the dish, making every bite rich and satisfying.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese: Melts to a golden finish that ties all the ingredients together with savory goodness.
How to Make Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F. Preparing your baking dish by greasing an 11×7-inch glass pan ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze. This step sets you up for success right from the beginning.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Onion
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the chopped onion and ground meat together. This mix builds the savory foundation of the casserole. As the meat cooks, sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, salt, and pepper to transform simple ingredients into a fragrant and flavorful filling. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease—that way, the casserole won’t be greasy but still full of richness.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, stock, milk, with a pinch of salt and pepper. This velvety sauce will soak into the potatoes and meat, creating that irresistible moistness and creamy taste in every layer.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Now for the fun part! Start by arranging half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon some of the soup mixture over the potatoes so they begin to soften and absorb flavor. Next, add half of the cooked meat mixture, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top. Repeat this layering process one more time to build a casserole full of richness and texture.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Tender
Cover your casserole with greased aluminum foil to trap in steam, making those potato slices turn tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife slides easily into the potatoes and you catch that bubbly, cheesy aroma wafting through the kitchen.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps everything set nicely, making it easier to cut and hearty to enjoy. Plus, it gives you a moment to prepare plates and gather loved ones around the table.
How to Serve Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. Their bright color and fresh flavors add a lovely contrast to the hearty casserole, lifting each bite and making it visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli balances out the richness. Something light and fresh alongside the warm Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe makes the meal feel complete without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions that look charming and keep everyone’s favorite flavors intact. Alternatively, add a breadcrumb topping mixed with parmesan and a drizzle of melted butter before baking for an extra crunchy texture to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal that can easily be reheated for lunch or dinner without losing its deliciousness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the casserole (preferably before baking) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually around 20-30 minutes depending on portion size. This keeps the dish moist and melty without drying out the potatoes or meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Absolutely! While lean ground beef or venison works beautifully, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your preferences. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Is there a way to make this Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! To keep it gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make your own from scratch. Double-check any stock or seasoning ingredients as well to avoid hidden gluten.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! For added nutrition and flavor, try layering in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Just be mindful of moisture content so it doesn’t become too watery.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella are all excellent choices. Each melts nicely and adds a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.
How can I make this dish more creamy?
If you prefer an extra creamy casserole, increase the amount of milk or cream slightly or stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the soup mixture before layering. This will give you an even richer texture.
Final Thoughts
This Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those winning dishes that feels both nostalgic and fresh every time you make it. It’s easy, comforting, and endlessly satisfying—the kind of meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds and even thirds. So don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy the warmth and flavor that this casserole lovingly brings to your table.
Print
Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty meat and potato casserole featuring layered sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy mushroom sauce topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients in a baked casserole style for a filling and flavorful 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
Potatoes
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 potatoes)
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
- 1/2 cup stock (any kind)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your 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, sauté the chopped onion and lean ground beef or venison until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Season with garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, stock, milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper. This will be a creamy base layer that helps cook the potatoes and flavor the casserole.
- Layer Ingredients: Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour some of the soup mixture over the potato layer, then add half of the cooked meat mixture on top. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the meat. Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, soup mixture, meat, and cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with greased aluminum foil (greased 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 removing from the oven before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute lean ground venison for beef to reduce fat content and add a richer flavor.
- Using fresh cream of mushroom soup may affect gluten-free status; consider gluten-free brands if needed.
- If you prefer, use vegetable stock as a substitute for meat stock to adapt the recipe for vegetarians using plant-based meat alternatives.
- To save time, thinly slice potatoes in advance or use a mandoline for uniform slices.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
