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Directions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the sliced potatoes for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but still firm. You don’t want them fully cooked at this stage because they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
2. Cook the Meat Filling:
- While the potatoes are boiling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or other meat of your choice) to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the meat with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Stir in the sour cream and milk, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. You want to form a solid layer of potatoes to act as the base.
- Spread half of the cooked meat mixture evenly over the potatoes, making sure it covers them well.
- Add another layer of potatoes on top of the meat mixture, followed by the remaining meat mixture. Finish by topping it with the remaining sliced potatoes.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
4. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. This will allow the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
- After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top and the potatoes are fully cooked.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve the casserole as a main dish with a side of steamed vegetables, a crisp salad, or some warm crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Family-Favorite Baked Potato and Meat Casserole:
- Customize the Meat:
- Feel free to swap out ground beef for other meats such as ground turkey, chicken, or sausage, depending on your preference or dietary needs. You can even make this casserole vegetarian by using plant-based crumbles or beans for the filling.
- Use Different Cheeses:
- While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses to add variety and depth of flavor. Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses for a creamy, gooey topping.
- Make It Spicy:
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the meat mixture. You can also use spicy sausage in place of the ground beef for an extra kick.
- Add Vegetables:
- To make the casserole even heartier and more nutritious, add some vegetables to the mix. Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be layered in with the meat, or you can mix them into the meat filling.
- Prepare Ahead of Time:
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
- Freezer-Friendly:
- You can also freeze this casserole for later use. Once assembled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Why You’ll Love Family-Favorite Baked Potato and Meat Casserole:
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, flavorful meat, and creamy cheese in every bite. It’s a dish that’s satisfying, filling, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy families and anyone looking for a simple yet hearty meal. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep and cook time involved.
Whether you’re feeding a large family or preparing a meal for yourself, this casserole is the ideal go-to dish. Its versatility allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your tastes, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time. The combination of creamy, cheesy potatoes and savory meat creates the perfect balance of flavors, and leftovers (if there are any) are just as delicious the next day.
So, next time you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that will leave everyone satisfied, try this Family-Favorite Baked Potato and Meat Casserole. It’s a dish that brings the family together, is easy to make, and delivers on flavor in every bite!
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