Description

This Meat and Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that layers tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese for a rich, savory flavor. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, sauces, and cheeses. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead or freezer-friendly option for meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups cream of mushroom soup homemade or canned
1 tsp garlic powder paprika, or rosemary (optional)
1 lb lean ground beef or venison
1 onion chopped
½ cup stock any kind
¼ cup milk or cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheese
3 cups thinly sliced potatoes about 5 potatoes
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Grease an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook the Meat:

In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and seasonings. Drain excess fat.

Prepare the Soup Mixture:

In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, stock, and milk or cream until smooth.

Layer the Casserole:

Layer half the potatoes in the dish.
Pour ¼ of the soup mixture over the potatoes.
Add half the meat mixture, followed by half the cheese.
Repeat the layers, ending with cheese on top.

Bake the Casserole:

Cover with foil and bake for 60-90 minutes, until potatoes are tender.

Rest and Serve:

Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Simply cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For best results, bring the casserole to room temperature before baking.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the uncooked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
Substitutions: You can easily swap ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or chicken. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms in place of the meat.
Cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
Add-Ins: This casserole is highly customizable. Add crispy bacon, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a drizzle of tomato sauce for extra flavor layers.