The Cozy Comfort Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe For Chilly Days

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty meat and potato casserole that promises to warm your soul.

Layers of tender meat meld perfectly with creamy potatoes in a dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

Rich, savory flavors burst through each carefully crafted bite of this classic meal.

Generations have cherished this simple yet delectable combination of protein and starch.

Robust seasonings dance across the plate, creating a symphony of taste that satisfies deep hunger.

The casserole emerges from the oven golden and bubbling, beckoning everyone to the table.

Dive into this rustic masterpiece and discover why home cooking never goes out of style.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Meat And Potato Casserole

• Ground Beef: Choose lean beef for a healthier dish with robust flavor and minimal grease.
• Onion: Adds sweet depth and aromatic foundation to the meat mixture, selecting fresh and firm onions ensures best taste.
• Garlic: Provides intense flavor complexity, look for firm cloves without sprouts or soft spots.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential spices that elevate meat's natural taste, opt for freshly ground pepper and sweet Hungarian paprika.
• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for sauce, select high-quality unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.
• Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create silky texture, all-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious creaminess, choose full-fat version for most indulgent result.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy cheese flavor, select aged cheddar for deeper taste profile.
• Mustard Powder: Adds subtle kick and complexity to cheese sauce, use sparingly.

• Potatoes: Select waxy varieties like Yukon Gold for even cooking and creamy texture.
• Beef or Chicken Broth: Enhances moisture and adds layered flavor, use low-sodium for better control.

Essential Tools For Meat And Potato Casserole

• Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and cooking onions.
• Mandoline or sharp knife: Perfect for slicing potatoes evenly and thinly.
• Saucepan: Needed for making the creamy cheese sauce.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Crucial for layering and baking the casserole.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Aluminum foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking.
• Whisk: Useful for blending the sauce smoothly.

How To Prepare Meat And Potato Casserole Step-By-Step

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with a toasty 375F setting and give your baking dish a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Meat Melody

Dance some ground beef around a hot skillet until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Toss in chopped onions and garlic, letting them mingle and soften with the meat. Sprinkle in some flavor boosters like salt, pepper, and paprika.

• Potato Magic

Slice potatoes into whisper-thin rounds, creating delicate layers that will melt in your mouth.

• Creamy Comfort

Craft a silky sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour. Slowly pour in cream, stirring until it transforms into a luxurious mixture. Fold in sharp cheddar cheese until it becomes a golden, dreamy blanket.

• Layered Love

Build your casserole like an edible artwork. Alternate potato slices and meat mixture, creating delicious stratum. Pour a splash of broth to keep everything juicy, then crown with your cheese sauce.

• Baking Bliss

Wrap the dish in foil and let it bake until potatoes become tender. Uncover and sprinkle extra cheese for a golden, crispy finale.

• Serving Celebration

Allow the casserole to rest briefly, then serve alongside fresh greens for a complete, heartwarming meal.

Helpful Hints For Meat And Potato Casserole Add-Ins

• Pro Potato-Layering Trick: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture throughout the casserole.
• Protein Power Switch: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner version that's equally delicious and satisfying.
• Dairy-Free Magic: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a creamy casserole suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Spice Master Hack: Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or Southwest spice blends to transform the flavor profile and keep the dish exciting for repeat meals.

How To Serve Meat And Potato Casserole Warm

• Comfort Food Companion: Serve this hearty casserole alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy layers.
• Protein Power Boost: Complement the dish with roasted green beans or steamed broccoli to add extra nutrition and vibrant color to your plate.
• Rustic Dinner Party Delight: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of freshness and elegant presentation that elevates the homestyle meal.
• Weekend Family Feast: Add a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and complete this satisfying comfort food experience.

Storage Tips For Meat And Potato Casserole Meals

Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.

• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.
• Portion Prep Strategy: Divide the casserole into individual servings before storing, making it easier to grab a quick meal and reduce food waste during busy weekdays.

Hearty Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty meat & potato casserole brings comfort from rural kitchens across North America. Savory layers of seasoned beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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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 (240 ml) beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or milk
• 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 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 and Prepare: Activate the oven to 375F (190C) and generously lubricate a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adhesion.
2. Meat Foundation: Sauté ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Integrate diced onions and minced garlic, developing a rich flavor profile. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, creating a robust meat base.
3. Sauce Crafting: Develop a luxurious cheese sauce by creating a roux with melted butter and flour. Smoothly incorporate heavy cream and whisk until silky. Melt cheddar cheese completely, adding a hint of mustard powder for depth.
4. Layering Technique: Create strategic layers in the baking dish, starting with a precise arrangement of potato slices. Spread the seasoned meat mixture evenly across the first potato layer. Pour broth over the layers to ensure moisture, then generously drizzle the creamy cheese sauce for complete coverage.
5. Baking Process: Protect the casserole with aluminum foil, baking for 45 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle additional cheddar cheese, continuing to bake for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender and the surface transforms into a golden-brown crust.
6. Serving Presentation: Rest the casserole for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. Plate with a complementary side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables, creating a harmonious and comforting meal that balances flavors and textures.

Notes

• Slice Potatoes Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform, thin potato slices for consistent cooking and optimal texture throughout the casserole.
• Control Meat Moisture: Brown ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess liquid and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor base for the dish.
• Cheese Sauce Technique: Whisk cream and cheese gradually to prevent lumps, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the layers evenly.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, then uncover to achieve a golden-brown crispy top layer.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg