Meat and Potato Casserole

Discover this incredible homemade meat and potato casserole recipe that’s both easy and delicious. Perfect comfort food from www.bbrecipes.com with simple ingredients and foolproof cooking instructions.

Introduction

When comfort food meets convenience, you get the perfect meat and potato casserole that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. This hearty casserole recipe combines tender ground meat, creamy potatoes, and savory seasonings into one satisfying dish that will have your family asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a meal that feeds a crowd, this meat and potato casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Using basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that rivals any expensive dining experience. This meat casserole is not just easy to prepare but also incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a reliable go-to recipe.

What makes this meat and potato casserole truly special is how it brings families together around the dinner table. The aroma of cooking meat and potatoes filling your kitchen creates an atmosphere of warmth and anticipation that only homemade cooking can provide.

Ingredients

For the Meat Layer:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Potato Layer:

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Serves 8)

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Iron: 15% Daily Value
• Calcium: 25% Daily Value

This meat and potato casserole provides excellent protein content while delivering essential carbs for energy. The combination of meat and potatoes creates a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides lasting nutrition.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Environment

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This meat and potato casserole requires proper preparation to ensure even cooking throughout.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook the meat for 8-10 minutes until completely browned and no pink remains. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat and drain excess fat.

Step 3: Prepare the Potato Base

While the meat cooks, peel and slice potatoes into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. Consistent slicing ensures even cooking in your casserole. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and white pepper.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Begin layering your meat and potato casserole by placing half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes. Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over the potatoes. Add the remaining potatoes in an overlapping pattern, then pour the remaining cream sauce over the top layer.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and check that potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the surface. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese. Return to oven uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and the top turns golden brown.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the meat and potato casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers set properly and makes serving much easier. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before bringing to the table.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile meat and potato casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the casserole. Steamed broccoli or green beans provide excellent color contrast and nutritional balance to your meal.

For a complete comfort food experience, consider serving warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce from the casserole. A simple coleslaw also makes an excellent side dish that cuts through the richness while adding refreshing crunch to your meal.

Wine pairing options include a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the savory meat flavors perfectly. For beer enthusiasts, a robust porter or stout enhances the hearty nature of this casserole recipe.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Success with this meat and potato casserole comes down to attention to detail and proper technique. Always slice your potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking throughout the dish. A mandoline slicer or sharp knife helps achieve consistent thickness.

Don’t skip the resting period after baking – this crucial step allows the cream sauce to thicken properly and prevents your casserole from becoming watery when served. If your casserole appears too liquid after the initial cooking time, remove the foil and continue baking until the liquid reduces.

For enhanced flavor, consider browning your meat in batches rather than overcrowding the pan. Proper browning develops deeper, more complex flavors that elevate the entire dish. Season each layer as you build the casserole to ensure well-distributed flavor throughout.

Make-ahead tip: This meat and potato casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. Simply add an additional 10-15 minutes to the covered cooking time if starting from cold.

Delicious Variations

Transform this basic meat and potato casserole recipe into exciting new variations that suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a Mexican-inspired version, substitute ground turkey for beef and add cumin, chili powder, and diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. Top with Monterey Jack cheese and serve with salsa and sour cream.

Create a Mediterranean variation by using ground lamb seasoned with oregano, rosemary, and garlic. Layer in sliced tomatoes and finish with feta cheese instead of cheddar. This alternative brings international flavors to your dinner table.

For those following a lower-carb lifestyle, substitute thinly sliced cauliflower or turnips for half the potatoes. This modification reduces carbohydrates while maintaining the satisfying texture and flavor profile of the original recipe.

A vegetarian alternative replaces the ground meat with a mixture of lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts seasoned with similar spices. This plant-based version provides excellent protein and creates a hearty meal that even meat lovers will enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this meat and potato casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully for up to three months. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350-degree oven until heated through.

What type of potatoes work best for this recipe? Russet potatoes are ideal because their high starch content creates a creamy texture when baked. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well and provide a slightly firmer texture with buttery flavor.

How do I prevent my casserole from becoming watery? Ensure your cream sauce is properly thickened before layering, and don’t skip the resting period after baking. Also, avoid using frozen potatoes, which release excess moisture during cooking.

Can I use different types of meat in this recipe? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or lamb all work wonderfully in this casserole. Adjust seasonings accordingly to complement your chosen meat.

How long does leftover casserole keep in the refrigerator? Properly stored leftovers remain fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and warm in a 325-degree oven.

Conclusion

This exceptional meat and potato casserole recipe represents everything we love about comfort food cooking – simple ingredients transformed into something truly special through proper technique and care. The combination of seasoned ground meat, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that brings families together and creates lasting memories around the dinner table.

The versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to suit your family’s preferences while maintaining the core elements that make it so appealing. Whether you stick to the classic preparation or experiment with the suggested variations, you’re guaranteed a delicious result that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

We encourage you to try this meat and potato casserole recipe and share your results with us. Leave a comment below telling us about your experience, any modifications you made, or questions you might have about the cooking process. Your feedback helps us continue creating exceptional recipes that bring joy to home kitchens everywhere.

For more incredible meat recipes, cooking tips, and family-friendly meal ideas, make www.bbrecipes.com your go-to destination for culinary inspiration. Our collection of tested recipes ensures you’ll always have delicious options for every occasion, from quick weeknight dinners to special celebration meals that create lasting memories with the people you love most.