Classic Meat & Potato Casserole – A Comfort Food Favorite

If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug, this Meat & Potato Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless comfort food recipe made with simple ingredients: layers of savory ground beef, tender potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. This casserole is not only filling, but it also carries that nostalgic, homemade flavor that reminds many of their grandmother’s kitchen.

What makes this casserole so special is its balance: the meat provides protein, the potatoes bring heartiness, the soup adds creaminess, and the cheese ties everything together. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even meal prep, this recipe is versatile and guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort food at its best – warm, filling, and hearty.
Family-friendly – kids and adults will both enjoy it.
Budget-friendly – made with simple pantry staples.
Great for leftovers – reheats beautifully the next day.
Customizable – you can add veggies, change the cheese, or swap the meat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ pounds ground beef (you can also use ground turkey, pork, or sausage)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for flavor and color)
6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛-inch thick)
2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken if you prefer)
1 cup milk (to thin out the soup mixture)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes into thin rounds (about ⅛-inch thick).
To make slicing easier and more uniform, you can use a mandoline slicer.
Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove extra starch.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
Add a little extra salt and pepper if desired.
This will serve as the creamy binder for the casserole.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or olive oil.
Start with a layer of potatoes on the bottom of the dish.
Spoon half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
Pour some of the creamy soup mixture over the meat layer.
Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat the layers: potatoes → beef → soup mixture → cheese.
Finish with a final layer of potatoes topped with the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 50 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Tips & Variations

Add veggies: Layer in peas, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition.
Swap the soup: Try cream of chicken or cream of celery instead of mushroom.
Cheese lovers: Add mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor.
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty on its own, but you can make it a complete meal by pairing it with:

A simple green salad with vinaigrette.
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

This Meat & Potato Casserole is the definition of simple, old-fashioned comfort food. It’s not fancy, but that’s the beauty of it—just honest, satisfying flavors that everyone loves. The layers of beef, potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese make this dish a repeat favorite in any home.

If you’ve been searching for a classic casserole that’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to be devoured, this is the one. Serve it for dinner tonight, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!