This hearty homestyle Meat & Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese, it’s a meal that warms the soul. Simple ingredients and easy prep make it a great weeknight dinner option.
Why I Love This Recipe
Rich and comforting – The creamy sauce and melted cheese bring everything together perfectly.
Simple and budget-friendly – Uses basic pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Customizable – I can switch up the seasonings, protein, or cheese to suit my taste.
Make-ahead friendly – It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Great for feeding a crowd – This casserole serves six and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb. lean ground beef or venison
1 onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp each of any of these (optional): garlic powder, paprika, rosemary
3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 potatoes)
1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup (or 1 can, may affect gluten-free status)
1/2 cup stock (any kind)
1/4 cup milk or cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 11×7-inch glass baking dish.
In a medium frying pan, cook the chopped onions and ground meat until fully cooked. Add seasonings and black pepper, then drain any excess grease.
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, stock, milk, salt, and pepper.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Pour some of the soup mixture over the potatoes, then add half of the cooked meat and half of the shredded cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, soup mixture, meat, and cheese.
Cover with greased aluminum foil (greased side down) and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Total Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Calories per serving: 530 kcal
Variations
Different proteins – Swap out the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a new flavor.
Cheese options – I love cheddar, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby work well too.
Gluten-free option – Use a gluten-free cream soup or make a simple homemade white sauce.
Extra veggies – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrients.
Spicy twist – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual portions or the whole casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
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FAQs
How do I make sure the potatoes cook through?
I slice them very thin (about 1/8 inch) so they cook evenly. If using thicker slices, I extend the baking time or parboil them first.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! I assemble it up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. I add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to prevent a watery casserole?
I drain any excess grease from the meat and avoid using too much liquid in the sauce. Using starchy potatoes like Russets also helps absorb moisture.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Absolutely! I sauté fresh mushrooms with a bit of butter and mix them into a homemade cream sauce instead of using canned soup.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar is my favorite, but I sometimes mix in Swiss or Gouda for extra flavor. Any cheese that melts well will work.
Conclusion
This meat and potato casserole is a simple, satisfying dish that never fails to hit the spot. Whether I’m making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, it’s always a winner. With endless variations and easy storage, this classic comfort food is a must-try.
📖 Recipe:
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Meat & Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty meat and potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy sauce topped with gooey melted cheese make it a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef or venison
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp each of any of these (optional): garlic powder, paprika, rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 potatoes)
1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup (or 1 can, may affect gluten-free status)
1/2 cup stock (any kind)
1/4 cup milk or cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F and grease an 11×7-inch glass baking dish.
- Cook Meat: In a skillet, cook the chopped onion and ground meat over medium heat until browned. Add garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, stock, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Layer Ingredients: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Pour some soup mixture over the potatoes, then add half of the cooked meat and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Bake: Cover with greased aluminum foil (greased side down) and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Slice potatoes thinly (about 1/8 inch) for even cooking.
For a gluten-free option, use a homemade white sauce or gluten-free cream soup.
Add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
For a spicy kick, mix in cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Category: Dinner, Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: ~530 kcal
