Family-Favorite Baked Potato and Meat Casserole

Ingredients for Family-Favorite Baked Potato and Meat Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole that will feed the whole family:

• 4-5 large russet potatoes – Peeled and sliced thinly (you can also leave the skins on if you prefer)
• 1 lb ground beef (or your choice of ground meat such as turkey, chicken, or sausage)
• 1 medium onion – Diced
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced
• 1 cup frozen peas (or your favorite vegetables)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor)
• 1/2 cup sour cream – For creaminess
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/2 cup milk – To make the sauce creamy
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – For extra depth of flavor
• Salt and pepper – To taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme – For seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For cooking the meat and vegetables

How to Make Baked Potato and Meat Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, peel and slice your potatoes into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender in the casserole.

Once sliced, arrange the potato slices in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. You can overlap the slices a bit to make sure they fit snugly. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.

Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir to mix everything together into a smooth sauce. This will form the creamy base that binds the casserole together.

Once the meat and onion mixture is done cooking, add the frozen peas to the skillet. Stir them in and cook for another 2 minutes. Then, pour the soup mixture over the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring to combine.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Now it’s time to layer everything together! Spread half of the meat and vegetable mixture over the layer of potatoes in the baking dish. Top with a layer of shredded cheese.

Then, add the remaining potatoes and repeat the process, layering the rest of the meat and vegetable mixture on top, followed by the remaining cheese. The cheese will melt and become golden brown as it bakes, creating a delicious crust.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to combine.

After 40-45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. If you want the cheese to be extra crispy, you can broil it for a few minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up a bit for easier slicing.

Serve this delicious, hearty casserole with a side salad or some steamed vegetables, and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness that will surely be a hit with your family!

Tips for Perfect Baked Potato and Meat Casserole

• Use Thin Potato Slices: The thinner your potato slices, the faster they’ll cook and the more tender they’ll be. You can also try using a mandoline slicer for even, uniform slices.
• Customize the Meat: Feel free to switch out the ground beef for your favorite ground meat, such as turkey, sausage, or chicken. You can also use a combination for added flavor.
• Add More Vegetables: Want to sneak in more veggies? Add carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Toppings: Add some crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs on top of the cheese for an extra crunchy topping.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Potato and Meat Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy even the heartiest appetites. With its creamy, cheesy layers of potatoes, savory meat, and delicious seasonings, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also customizable to suit everyone’s tastes. Give this family favorite a try, and it might just become your go-to dinner for busy nights or cozy weekends.