Meat and Potato Casserole

 

Meat and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, filling, and deeply satisfying. Layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground meat, and a rich, savory sauce come together in one warm, oven-baked dish that feels like home. This classic casserole is simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal made with everyday ingredients, this meat and potato casserole is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Meat and Potato Casserole

• Simple ingredients you already have
• Hearty and filling comfort food
• Perfect for family dinners
• Easy to customize with vegetables or cheese
• Great for leftovers and meal prep

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef (or ground turkey/lamb)
• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup milk or cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• ½ cup frozen peas or carrots
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Meat and Potato Casserole

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly. Place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning, then drain and pat dry.

2. Cook the Meat Mixture

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme.

Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, and milk. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a baking dish.
Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes at the bottom, slightly overlapping.
Spread half of the meat mixture over the potatoes.
Repeat with another layer of potatoes and the remaining meat mixture.

If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly on top.

4. Bake

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden.

5. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Meat and Potato Casserole

• Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
• Covering the dish while baking keeps the casserole moist
• Let it rest before serving for cleaner slices
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for best results

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheesy Version: Add cheese between layers and on top
• Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers
• Lighter Option: Use ground turkey and low-fat milk
• Spiced Version: Add chili powder or cumin for extra flavor

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven at 170°C (325°F) or microwave until warm
• This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months

Final Thoughts

This Meat and Potato Casserole is a timeless recipe that delivers warmth, flavor, and comfort in every bite. It’s easy enough for weeknights and satisfying enough for sharing with family and friends.