If you’re longing for comfort food that feels like a warm hug, let me introduce you to the magic of Meat & Potato Casserole. Imagine layers of tender potatoes, savory seasoned beef, and gooey cheese, all pulled together with a creamy sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley—this is the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a cozy family event. Whether it’s the nostalgic flavors, the ridiculously simple prep, or the way every bite tastes like home, Meat & Potato Casserole is destined to become a star at your table—just like it has at mine!

Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Meat & Potato Casserole so irresistible? It’s all about a handful of honest, easy-to-find ingredients, each playing its own delicious part—whether it’s creamy, cheesy, savory, or crisp. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make every layer count.

Ground beef: Choose an 80/20 blend for flavor and juiciness—just remember to drain the fat after browning.
Onion (diced): Sautéed onion gives a subtle sweetness and base of flavor that makes all the difference.
Thinly sliced potatoes: Russets or Yukon Golds are best—slice them nice and thin for that irresistible fork-tender texture.
Cream of mushroom soup: This classic secret weapon provides rich, savory creaminess in every bite.
Milk: Helps the soup blend into a luscious, pourable sauce that bakes beautifully.
Shredded cheddar cheese: For melty, bubbly, golden-cheesy goodness—feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar or a blend.
Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic flavor that complements both the beef and potatoes.
Paprika: A dash of smoky warmth and a peek of color—don’t skip it!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all those flavors to life, so season to your taste.
Olive oil: Just a splash for sautéing the onions; you could swap in butter for added richness.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): That fresh, herby pop on top adds contrast and brightness at the finish.

How to Make Meat & Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to transform that layered goodness into one bubbling, golden casserole. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with a little oil or nonstick spray—this not only prevents sticking but also makes serving a breeze!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the diced onion, cooking until soft and sweet-smelling. Then toss in your ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika so the flavor really melds with the meat. Once everything’s beautifully browned, don’t forget to drain off any excess fat to keep your Meat & Potato Casserole from feeling greasy.

Step 3: Mix Together the Creamy Sauce

Whisk the can of cream of mushroom soup with the milk in a bowl until completely smooth. This silky sauce is the backbone of your casserole’s creamy texture—you’ll be surprised at how simple it is, but how much flavor it delivers!

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Start layering by arranging half of the thinly sliced potatoes in your prepared dish. Next, spread on half of the beef mixture, then drizzle with half of the creamy sauce, and finish with a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, sauce, and more cheese on top. It’s like making a delicious edible lasagna—only heartier and, dare I say, even more comforting!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for 50–55 minutes, letting the potatoes soften and all those flavors mingle. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes—this step makes that cheesy, golden top we all crave. Once the Meat & Potato Casserole looks bubbly and glorious, take it out and give it a few minutes to rest before serving.

How to Serve Meat & Potato Casserole

Garnishes

When it’s time to serve, scatter some freshly chopped parsley right over the top. Not only does it add that beautiful pop of green, but the fresh, herby flavor really lifts the richness and rounds out every bite of your Meat & Potato Casserole. A few thinly sliced green onions or chives make pretty (and tasty!) alternatives, too.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with something fresh makes the meal sing. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted green beans, or simple steamed broccoli balances the savory, creamy casserole and perks up the plate. On colder nights, I love serving it with homemade biscuits or crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in entertaining mode, try dividing the Meat & Potato Casserole into individual ramekins for a fun, personalized twist—each little pot bubbling away with cheese is sure to impress. For potlucks or family gatherings, serve it directly from the baking dish with a big spoon, letting everyone enjoy those glorious layers. You can also slice it into neat squares for a lunchbox treat or casual dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Simply cover the cooled Meat & Potato Casserole with foil or transfer it to airtight containers, then keep it in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, and some say the flavors deepen the next day.

Freezing

This casserole is a dream for meal-preppers. Assemble the uncooked casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When cravings hit, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. If you’re freezing after baking, let it cool, wrap well, and reheat straight from frozen (it may just take a bit longer to warm through).

Reheating

To bring your Meat & Potato Casserole back to life, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—usually 20-25 minutes, or a bit longer from chilled. Individual portions warm up beautifully in the microwave, but the oven will keep those layers crispy and cheese-topped.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter but still delicious version of Meat & Potato Casserole. Just be sure to season generously, since leaner meats can be a bit milder in flavor.

Which potatoes work best for this casserole?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are my top picks. Their starchy texture softens perfectly without turning mushy—just be sure to slice them thin for even cooking throughout your layers.

What kind of cheese can I substitute?

While cheddar is a classic, you can mix things up with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda. Any good melting cheese will add that irresistible cheesy layer.

Can I make Meat & Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! It’s ideal for prepping ahead. Assemble the casserole (but don’t bake it), cover tightly, and stash it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake as instructed when you’re ready—it’s a lifesaver on busy days.

How do I prevent the potatoes from staying crunchy?

The secret is slicing your potatoes very thin and making sure the casserole is well-covered for the first bake so the steam helps soften them. If you’re in a hurry, you can even briefly parboil the slices before layering.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like comfort in a casserole dish, you can’t go wrong with Meat & Potato Casserole. Every time I serve it, I’m reminded why it’s such a classic: simple, satisfying, and sure to bring smiles around your table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight tradition!

Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Meat & Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines layers of ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, tender potatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Casserole Layers:

3 cups thinly sliced potatoes
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish:

Chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté Onion and Beef: In a skillet, sauté diced onion in olive oil until softened. Add ground beef, season, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Prepare Soup Mixture: Whisk together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
Layer Casserole: Grease a baking dish, layer potatoes, beef, soup mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers. Bake covered for 50–55 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Uncover, bake for 10 more minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.