Meat and Potato Casserole

This Meat and Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, caramelized onions, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Baked to perfection with melted cheese on top, it’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or for a cozy dinner. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious casserole!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite melting cheese)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Potatoes and Onions

1. Prepare Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and thinly slice them into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly in the casserole.
2. Slice Onion: Thinly slice the yellow onion into half-moons.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, heavy whipping cream, beef broth, dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layering: Start by arranging half of the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Add Onions and Beef: Layer half of the sliced onions over the potatoes, followed by half of the cooked ground beef.
3. Pour Sauce: Pour half of the creamy mushroom sauce over the layers in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, onions, ground beef, and sauce.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the potatoes from drying out while baking.
2. Bake: Place the covered casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish

1. Top with Cheese: Remove the foil from the casserole dish and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. Return to Oven: Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional black pepper, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Meat and Potato Casserole with your favorite side dishes or a simple green salad.

Cook’s Tips

• Potato Thickness: Ensure the potatoes are uniformly sliced to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra beef broth or heavy cream.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for meal prepping or busy weeknights.

Variations

• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
• Herb Additions: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the sauce for extra aromatic flavors.

Keto and Low-Carb Modifications

• Potato Substitute: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips for a lower-carb option.
• Cream Alternative: Use full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy whipping cream to reduce the carb content of the sauce.

This Meat and Potato Casserole is a classic comfort dish that brings together simple ingredients in a deliciously satisfying way. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing it ahead for a potluck, its creamy texture and hearty flavors are sure to please. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this timeless casserole recipe!