The Coziest Hearty Meat and Potato Casserole Recipe for Family

My culinary adventure with this hearty meat and potato casserole started during a chilly winter weekend.

Comfort emerged from my grandmother’s worn recipe notebook, sparkling with nostalgia and warmth.

Rustic ingredients whispered stories of home-cooked meals shared around wooden tables.

Rich layers of tender meat and creamy potatoes promise a satisfying dining experience.

Savory aromas will dance through your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Families gather, drawn by the irresistible scent of bubbling, golden goodness.

You can’t help but feel welcomed by this classic, soul-warming dish that turns simple ingredients into pure magic.

Meat and Potato Casserole That’s Rustic and Filling

Devour Family Comfort: Effortless Hearty Casserole Delight

• Minimal Prep Magic: Whip up this casserole with just a few simple steps, requiring basic kitchen skills and minimal chopping or complicated techniques.
• Ultimate Weeknight Warrior: Perfect for busy families, this one-dish wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, saving precious time and energy after long days.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with robust flavors and hearty ingredients, this casserole guarantees smiles around the dinner table, appealing to both kids and adults with its classic, satisfying combination of meat, potatoes, and melted cheese.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients that stretch to feed multiple people, making it an economical meal solution for families watching their grocery spending.

Meat Potato Casserole Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source for the casserole's hearty core, look for lean cuts to reduce excess fat.
• Onions: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic base for the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Adds robust, savory notes to enhance overall taste.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced flavor enhancement.
• Smoked Paprika, Oregano, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides complex, layered spice profile for depth.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates creamy sauce and helps bind ingredients together.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create smooth sauce consistency.
• Beef Broth: Enhances meat flavor and contributes to sauce moisture.

• Potatoes: Starchy base that creates substantial texture and filling component.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides golden, melty topping with rich dairy flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and aids in meat browning process.

Meat & Potato Casserole Directions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F and spray a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

• Ground beef
• Olive oil
• Onions
• Garlic

Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet.

Toss in chopped onions and cook until translucent.

Add ground beef and brown completely.

Drain any excess fat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Stir everything together and remove from heat.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole milk
• Beef broth

Whisk these ingredients in a mixing bowl until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Build the Delicious Layers

Arrange sliced potatoes as the first layer in the baking dish.

Top with half the seasoned beef.

Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes and beef.

Step 5: Pour and Top

Drizzle the creamy sauce over the layers.

Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes until potatoes turn tender and cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Hearty Cooking Ideas For Meat Potato Casseroles

• Choose ground beef with lower fat content (80/20 or 85/15) to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole less oily while maintaining rich flavor.
• Cut potatoes to uniform thickness (about 1/4 inch) to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or red wine to the beef mixture for enhanced umami and complexity in the dish's overall taste profile.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or monterey jack to create unique flavor variations and personalize the casserole.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld and making meal preparation more convenient.

Saving Meat and Potato Casserole for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by wrapping in plastic wrap before adding the lid.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Meat and Potato Bake Matches

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that matches the casserole's rich, hearty flavors, cutting through the meat's richness and complementing its savory notes.
• Elevate with Classic Side Salad: Create a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette dressing to balance the casserole's heaviness, adding freshness and providing a light contrast to the warm, comforting dish.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious sauce, offering an extra layer of texture and allowing diners to capture every last bit of flavor from the casserole.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus to add nutritional variety and provide a simple, clean accompaniment that doesn't compete with the main dish's robust profile.

Meat and Potato Casserole Made Different

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a protein-rich vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bake: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that all spices are certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac needs.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the casserole's hearty texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, add chopped spinach, and use Mediterranean herbs like basil and thyme for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat in this casserole?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb work great as substitutes for beef. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well.

• How can I make this casserole healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to boost nutrition.

• Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the fridge.

Hearty Meat and Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Midwestern comfort shines through this classic hearty meat and potato casserole, blending rustic flavors with homestyle warmth. Savory layers of tender beef, creamy potatoes, and rich gravy promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Starches and Vegetables:

• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

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Instructions

1. Grease a baking dish and warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for a comforting culinary journey.
2. In a skillet, sauté diced onions in olive oil until translucent and fragrant. Introduce ground beef, browning thoroughly and draining any excess fat.
3. Enhance the meat with a robust blend of seasonings: garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of mushroom soup, milk, and beef broth until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Construct layers in the baking dish, starting with a generous spread of sliced potatoes, followed by a hearty portion of seasoned beef. Repeat the layering process to create a rich, substantial foundation.
6. Cascade the prepared sauce evenly across the layers, ensuring complete coverage and moisture.
7. Sprinkle a generous blanket of shredded cheese over the top, promising a golden, melted finish.
8. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven, baking uncovered for 50-60 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender and the cheese transforms into a bubbling, bronzed crust.
9. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 10 minutes, letting flavors meld and ensuring clean, beautiful servings.

Notes

• Cut potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or mushy.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the casserole.
• Swap regular milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 395
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 745 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg