Meat and Potato Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food recipe, this Meat and Potato Casserole is a family favorite that never disappoints. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce, it’s a hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or Sunday meals.

🥔 Why You’ll Love This Meat and Potato Casserole

Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
One-pan meal—no need for multiple side dishes.
Perfect for freezing and reheating, making it a great make-ahead recipe.
A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.

🧄 Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
5–6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
½ cup milk
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Meat

Heat oil or butter in a skillet.
Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
Stir in ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish.
Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom.
Add a layer of ground beef mixture.
Pour some sauce over it and sprinkle with cheese.
Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley.

❓ FAQ

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Bake, cool completely, then wrap in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven.

Q: What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup, cream of celery, or a homemade white sauce.

🍴 Final Thoughts

This Meat and Potato Casserole is warm, filling, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or preparing it ahead for a busy week, it’s a dish that will quickly become a household favorite.