Meat and potato casserole is a savory dish that combines layers of ground beef, potatoes, and cheese. This classic casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.
The dish is made by layering thinly sliced potatoes with seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese in a baking dish. The casserole is then baked until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. It is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit individual tastes or dietary needs, such as adding vegetables or using turkey instead of beef. Meat and potato casserole is a popular and delicious comfort food that is sure to become a family favorite.
Credit: www.epicurious.com
Ingredients You’Ll Need
Meat and potato casserole is a delicious one-dish meal that requires minimal effort to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or have unexpected guests over, this casserole will always save you. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to make this fantastic dish.
Ground Beef Or Sausage
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- A tablespoon of canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Ground beef or sausage is the essential ingredient in meat and potato casserole. Brown the ground beef or sausage with canola oil, salt, and black pepper for added flavor.
Potatoes, Peeled And Sliced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth
- A pinch of salt
Potatoes are another crucial ingredient in this casserole. Thinly slice the potatoes and toss them in melted butter, chicken broth and a sprinkle of salt. It will help the potatoes to remain soft and moist as they bake.
Onion, Chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Onion adds a rich flavor to the casserole. Sauté chopped onions in olive oil until tender and fragrant before adding them to the dish.
Garlic, Minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Garlic helps to enhance the flavor of the casserole. Mince two garlic cloves and add them to the browned meat.
Cheese, Shredded
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
A generous amount of cheddar cheese is essential in this dish. After adding the final layer of potatoes, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake until melted and golden.
Cream Of Mushroom Soup
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup of milk
Cream of mushroom soup serves as the creamy and savory base of the casserole. Mix it with milk before pouring it over the mixture.
Salt And Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Salt and black pepper are the simple seasonings that add a little bit of extra flavor to the recipe.
Optional Spices
- 1 teaspoon of rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
Adding optional spices like rosemary, thyme, or paprika creates a mouth-watering aroma and enhances the dish’s flavor.
Prep Work – Getting Your Ingredients Ready
Meat and potato casserole is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. If you’re planning on making this delicious casserole, it’s crucial to get your ingredients prepped and ready for cooking.
Brown The Ground Beef Or Sausage In A Skillet Until Fully Cooked
- Heat up a skillet on medium-high heat and add the ground beef or sausage.
- Cook the meat until it turns brown, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet using a colander.
Peel And Slice The Potatoes Into Thin Rounds
- Peel the potatoes and wash them thoroughly.
- Cut them into thin, even slices, around 1/4 inch thick.
- If you have a mandolin, this is a great way to achieve uniform slices.
Chop The Onion And Mince The Garlic
- Peel and chop the onion into small pieces.
- Mince the garlic with a knife or garlic press.
- These two ingredients will add a lot of flavor to your casserole.
Shred The Cheese
- Use a box grater or a food processor to shred the cheese into small pieces.
- Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for this recipe, but you can also use other types of cheese if you prefer.
- The cheese will add a delicious creamy finish to your casserole.
Preheat The Oven To 350°F
- Before cooking your casserole, preheat your oven to 350°f (180°c).
- This will ensure that your casserole cooks perfectly and evenly.
Getting your ingredients prepped and ready for cooking is an essential step to making a delicious meat and potato casserole. Now that you’ve got your ingredients sorted, it’s time to start assembling and cooking your casseroles.
Assembling Your Casserole
Now that you have prepared your ingredients, it’s time to assemble your meat and potato casserole.
- Preheat your oven to 375°f.
- Layer the cooked sliced potatoes at the bottom of your casserole dish.
- Add a layer of cooked ground beef and sprinkle some salt and black pepper.
- Add another layer of sliced potatoes and sprinkle some more seasoning.
- Pour a can of cream of mushroom soup over the potatoes and beef.
- Repeat the layering process until your dish is full.
- Top with a layer of cheddar cheese.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips For A Perfect Casserole
To create a perfect and delicious meat and potato casserole, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure the potatoes are cooked all the way through before you layer them in the dish. You don’t want hard and undercooked potatoes in the casserole.
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese. The pre-shredded cheese usually has anti-caking agents and may not melt as evenly as freshly grated cheese.
- Season your beef and potatoes generously with salt, black pepper, and any other spices you like to enhance the flavors of your dish.
- Cover the dish with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy your warm and comforting meat and potato casserole with your loved ones!
Cooking Your Casserole
Meat and potato casserole is a mouth-watering classic dish loved by many. Do you love meat and potatoes? If so, you should try making meat and potato casserole in your own kitchen.
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°f (190°c) before you start cooking.
- Start by gathering all the ingredients you need.
- Peel and slice the potatoes and onions.
- Season the meat with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- You can add other ingredients such as mushrooms or cheese according to your preference.
Cooking Meat And Potatoes
- Heat the oil in the pan and cook the meat until brown.
- After the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook the onions in the oil used for the meat until they become translucent.
- Add the potatoes, season them with salt and black pepper, then cook until soft.
- Add the meat back to the pan, mix it with the potatoes, and cook for a few minutes.
Assembling The Casserole
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Transfer the meat and potato mixture to the baking dish.
- Add a layer of cheese on top, or sprinkle some breadcrumbs to add a crispy texture.
- Cover your baking dish with aluminium foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, then bake for another 15-20 minutes.
Serving Your Casserole
- After the casserole is ready, allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Serve it hot with some garnish, such as green onions or parsley.
Meat and potato casserole is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for dinner. Try out this recipe in your kitchen, and enjoy this comforting meal with your friends and family!
Variations And Substitutions
Meat and potato casserole is a classic dish that is hearty, delicious, and perfect for chilly evenings. If you want to switch things up, there are a few variations and substitutions you can try to give this dish a new twist.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Swap Out Ground Beef Or Sausage For Ground Turkey Or Chicken For A Healthier Version
Using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage is a great way to make your meat and potato casserole a little healthier. Turkey and chicken are leaner than beef, so you’ll be cutting down on saturated fat and calories.
- Make sure you season the ground turkey or chicken well to add flavor.
- If you’re using ground turkey, be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
- Add a little broth or tomato sauce to the turkey or chicken as it cooks to keep it moist.
Switch Up The Cheese – Try Cheddar, Mozzarella, Or Parmesan
Adding cheese to your meat and potato casserole is a must, but you don’t have to stick to the usual cheddar.
- Mozzarella cheese will give your casserole a creamy texture and mild flavor.
- Parmesan cheese is salty and nutty and adds a nice depth of flavor to your casserole.
- Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but try using a sharp cheddar to add a little extra flavor.
Add Vegetables Such As Bell Peppers, Mushrooms, Or Green Beans
Adding vegetables to your meat and potato casserole is a great way to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
- Bell peppers add a nice crunch and sweetness.
- Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and meaty texture.
- Green beans add a freshness to the dish and are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Use Sweet Potatoes Instead Of Regular Potatoes For A Twist On The Classic Recipe
Sweet potatoes are a tasty and slightly healthier alternative to regular potatoes.
- Sweet potatoes are sweeter than regular potatoes, so be careful not to add too much sugar or other sweeteners.
- Sweet potatoes are a bit softer than regular potatoes, so you might need to adjust the cooking time.
- Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, beta-carotene, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
There are many ways to make meat and potato casserole that is unique and delicious. Whether you swap out beef for chicken, try a different type of cheese, add some veggies, or use sweet potatoes, you’re sure to create a dish that is both hearty and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions On Meat And Potato Casserole
What Ingredients Are Needed To Make A Meat And Potato Casserole?
This recipe requires potatoes, ground beef, onion, tomato sauce, water, salt, pepper, paprika, and cheese.
How Do You Make A Meat And Potato Casserole?
First, brown ground beef and onion, add tomato sauce and water, layer with sliced potatoes and sprinkle spices, top with cheese and bake.
Can I Prepare The Meat And Potato Casserole Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.
What Type Of Cheese Can I Use For The Meat And Potato Casserole?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use a blend of different cheeses or parmesan cheese.
How Long Should I Bake The Meat And Potato Casserole?
Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Conclusion
Meat and potato casserole is an easy-to-make, filling and nutritious dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
With its versatility, endless variations of this dish are possible with various meat and vegetable combinations, making it a go-to for busy cooks. By utilizing fresh ingredients and adding a touch of your favorite herbs and spices, you can create a meal that not only nourishes your body but also satisfies your cravings.
And with the added convenience of being able to prepare it ahead of time, meat and potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food that never fails to please. So why not give it a try and enjoy a hearty, wholesome meal with your loved ones today!
