Short Description
This Meat & Potato Casserole is a hearty, homestyle dish that brings together savory ground meat, tender sliced potatoes, creamy mushroom sauce, and melted cheese. It’s the perfect comforting meal for family dinners or cold-weather gatherings, offering satisfying layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort Food Classic: Perfect for chilly nights when only a warm, filling meal will do.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that are easy to find and affordable.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different meats, spices, or soups.
One-Dish Meal: A complete entrée with meat, potatoes, and cheese all in one pan.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb lean ground beef or venison
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp each of any of the following (optional): garlic powder, paprika, rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 medium potatoes)
1½ cups cream of mushroom soup (1 can; check label for gluten-free if needed)
½ cup stock (any kind)
¼ cup milk or cream
1½ cups shredded cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11×7 inch glass baking dish.
In a medium frying pan, cook the ground beef or venison with chopped onions over medium heat until fully browned. Add optional spices and season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, stock, milk or cream, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
Begin layering the casserole in the baking dish:
First, half of the sliced potatoes.
Then, pour over half of the soup mixture.
Add half of the cooked meat mixture.
Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, soup mixture, meat, and cheese.
Cover the dish with greased aluminum foil (grease side down) and bake for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Remove the foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking for a browned, bubbly top.
Servings and Timing
Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 to 1½ hours
Total Time: 1½ to 2 hours
Calories: Approximately 530 kcal per serving
Variations
Cheese Options: Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a stretchier, more complex flavor.
Add Vegetables: Include layers of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition.
Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
Soup Variations: Substitute cream of mushroom with cream of celery or cheddar cheese soup.
Top with Crumbs: For a crunchy finish, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before the last 10 minutes of baking.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked (without cheese topping) portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Slice the potatoes as thin as possible—about 1/8 inch thick—so they cook evenly and become tender.
Can I use pre-cooked or leftover potatoes?
Yes, pre-cooked sliced potatoes can reduce the baking time. Use them just as you would raw slices.
What’s the best type of cheese for this dish?
Sharp cheddar offers bold flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a blend.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish and increase cooking time as needed, ensuring potatoes are tender before serving.
What’s the difference between ground beef and venison here?
Venison offers a leaner, slightly gamey flavor, while ground beef is richer and more familiar to most palates. Both work well.
Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, cream of celery or even cream of chicken can be used, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Why grease the foil?
Greasing the foil prevents it from sticking to the melted cheese during baking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese, plant-based milk, and a dairy-free cream soup alternative to accommodate a dairy-free diet.
Conclusion
This Meat & Potato Casserole is a timeless, filling meal that’s as comforting as it is convenient. With simple ingredients and a customizable format, it’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or preparing ahead for a stress-free dinner. Once baked to golden perfection, each spoonful delivers warmth and satisfaction, making it a staple recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Meat & Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Meat & Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—layers of tender potatoes, seasoned ground meat, creamy mushroom sauce, and melty cheese. A hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy! Keyword: Meat & Potato Casserole
Ingredients
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1 lb. lean ground beef or venison
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1 onion, chopped
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1 tsp each (optional): garlic powder, paprika, rosemary
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Salt and pepper to taste
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3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (about 5 potatoes)
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1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup (or 1 can)
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1/2 cup stock (any kind)
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1/4 cup milk or cream
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 11×7-inch glass baking dish.
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In a skillet, cook ground meat and chopped onions until browned. Add seasonings and pepper. Drain excess grease.
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In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, stock, milk, salt, and pepper.
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Layer half the sliced potatoes in the baking dish. Pour some of the soup mixture over them. Add half the cooked meat and sprinkle with half the cheese.
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Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, soup mix, meat, and cheese.
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Cover with greased foil (greased side down) and bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
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Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Use gluten-free mushroom soup and stock if needed.
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Venison adds a rich flavor twist to the classic.
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Optional spices add depth—adjust to taste.
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Serve with a side salad or green beans for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
