Meat and Potato Casserole

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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 milkDiscover moreCookware & DiningwareHorticultureFoodSoups & Stews
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
• 1 tbsp butter or oil (for greasing)
  Instructions1. 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.