Robust Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe: Cozy Comfort in One Dish

Comfort food finds its perfect match in this delectable meat and potato casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Rich layers of seasoned ground beef meld beautifully with creamy potatoes, creating a hearty dish that speaks directly to the soul.

Tender chunks of meat nestle between soft potato slices, promising a meal that fills both stomach and heart.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors and comforting textures.

The ingredients blend seamlessly, transforming simple components into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Topped with a golden, bubbling cheese crust, this casserole stands as a testament to home-cooked goodness.

Prepare to be transported to a world of pure, unapologetic deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Meat & Potato Casserole Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor, choose lean cuts for less grease.
• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic base for meat mixture, select firm and glossy onions.
• Garlic: Enhances savory notes, opt for fresh cloves with tight, unblemished skin.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Creates balanced seasoning profile, use freshly ground spices for maximum taste.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates smooth, luxurious sauce texture, whole milk gives richer consistency.
• Butter: Helps build roux foundation, use unsalted for better control of salt levels.
• Flour: Thickens sauce and provides silky consistency, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor, select aged varieties for deeper taste.
• Mustard Powder: Introduces subtle tang and complexity, optional but recommended.

• Potatoes: Forms hearty base layer, choose starchy varieties like Russet for best texture.
• Beef or Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens overall flavor profile, low-sodium recommended.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture during initial baking stage.

Handy Tools to Prep Meat & Potato Casserole

• Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Mandoline or sharp knife: Perfect for slicing potatoes uniformly and thinly.
• Saucepan: Needed to create the creamy cheese sauce.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Crucial for layering and baking the casserole.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Aluminum foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking.
• Whisk: Helps blend the roux and create smooth cheese sauce.

Cooking Instructions for Comforting Meat & Potato Bake

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375F. Grease a baking dish so nothing sticks.

• Brown the Meaty Base

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet until it turns rich and dark. Toss in onions and garlic, letting them dance and soften. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika for extra flavor.

• Slice Potato Rounds

Create thin, uniform potato slices using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even cooking.

• Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to create a silky base. Slowly pour in cream, stirring until the mixture thickens. Stir in cheddar cheese until it melts into a luxurious sauce.

• Layer and Assemble

Arrange potato slices as the first layer in the baking dish. Spread the seasoned meat mixture on top. Repeat the layers. Pour broth over the casserole to keep everything moist. Drizzle the cheese sauce across the top.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle extra cheese, and continue baking until the top turns golden and potatoes become tender.

• Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Serve alongside a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Seasoning Options and Swaps for Your Casserole

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the entire casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully before cooking – perfect for busy weeknights.
• Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option that still delivers incredible flavor and maintains the dish's hearty character.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower or turnips to create a keto-friendly version that keeps the creamy, comforting essence of the original recipe.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap meat with plant-based ground alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and lentils to create a satisfying vegetarian casserole that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, monterey jack, or smoky gouda to elevate the dish's flavor profile and add exciting depth to the creamy sauce.

Serving Tips for This All-in-One Meal

• Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for a hearty family dinner with everyone gathering around the table, enjoying warm comfort food that brings smiles and creates memories.
• Fresh Green Companion: Pair this rich casserole with a crisp mixed green salad topped with tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy, savory flavors and add nutritional balance.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform leftovers into a delightful breakfast by topping a slice with a sunny-side-up egg and fresh chopped chives for a weekend morning treat that feels indulgent yet satisfying.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready – making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or preparing meals ahead of time for convenient, delicious dining.

How to Keep Leftover Casserole Just as Tasty

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of broth to prevent dryness. Alternatively, reheat in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Hearty Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 9 1x

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Description

Hearty meat & potato casserole brings comfort from midwestern kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Generous layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese create a satisfying one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon Gold or Russets work best)
• 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef or chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Heat oven to 375F (190C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Meat Transformation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, incorporating onions and garlic until fragrant. Infuse with salt, pepper, and paprika, then set aside momentarily.
3. Potato Precision: Slice potatoes thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even cooking and elegant texture.
4. Sauce Alchemy: Craft a velvety sauce by creating a roux with butter and flour, gradually whisking in heavy cream until thickened. Remove from heat and blend in cheddar cheese, adding a hint of mustard powder for depth.
5. Layering Technique: Create a strategic foundation by alternating layers of potato slices and seasoned meat. Pour broth over the layers to maintain moisture, then blanket with the cheese sauce for complete coverage.
6. Baking Ritual: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Unveil, sprinkle additional cheese, and return to oven for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and surface turns golden brown.
7. Serving Finale: Rest the casserole briefly to settle internal temperatures. Present alongside a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create even, thin potato slices for consistent cooking and elegant texture.
• Control Meat Browning: Cook ground beef on medium heat, ensuring a rich caramel color without burning, which prevents bitter flavors.
• Manage Sauce Consistency: Whisk roux carefully, adding cream gradually to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
• Optimize Baking Technique: Cover with foil initially to prevent top burning, then uncover to create a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds delightful texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 to 9
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg