Meat & Potato Casserole – Comfort Food at Its Best

Meat & Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Tender, seasoned ground beef, hearty potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together in a baked casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home. It’s simple, satisfying, and easy to customize based on your family’s favorite flavors.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-dish meal: Meat, potatoes, and cheese all in one
• Family-friendly and filling
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Easy prep and versatile
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

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📝 Ingredients

For the Meat Layer

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)

For the Potato Layer

• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Topping

• 1–2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Cook the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onions until browned. Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Drain excess fat and set aside.

3. Prepare Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice potatoes. Melt butter in a skillet and lightly sauté potato slices for 3–4 minutes to soften slightly. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.

5. Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer half of the potato slices in the bottom of the baking dish.
2. Spread the cooked meat evenly over potatoes.
3. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the meat.
4. Add the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the sauce on top.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole.

6. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and potatoes are tender.

7. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

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💡 Tips for Success

• Slice potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
• Partially cook potatoes before baking for a softer texture.
• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor.
• Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to bulk it up.
• Make ahead: Assemble in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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🔄 Variations

• Cheesy Potato & Ham Casserole: Substitute ham for ground beef.
• Loaded Version: Add cooked bacon and sautéed onions.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower slices.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat layer.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Assemble unbaked casserole and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.
• Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until heated through.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Meat & Potato Casserole is a hearty, satisfying, and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With tender potatoes, savory meat, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, it’s a one-dish meal everyone will love. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your home-cooked dinner rotation.

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