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Meat Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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Comforting Meat and Potato Casserole with savory ground beef in creamy mushroom sauce, topped with tender sliced potatoes and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
  • 1 large Onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 (10.75 oz) can Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
  • 1/2 cup Milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Rosemary
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 5–6 medium Russet Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional, for topping)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Butter
  • 1/4 cup Beef Broth (optional, for added moisture)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Create the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, dried thyme, dried rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Make sure there are no lumps in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  4. Combine Meat and Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the browned beef and onion mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine, ensuring that all the beef is coated in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Prepare the Potatoes: While the meat mixture is simmering, peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness.
  6. Prevent Browning (Optional): If you’re not going to assemble the casserole immediately, you can place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning.
  7. Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
  8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  10. Layer the Ingredients: Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  11. Arrange the Potato Slices: Arrange a layer of potato slices over the meat mixture, slightly overlapping them. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the meat mixture.
  12. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers of meat mixture and potato slices until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of potato slices on top.
  13. Add Moisture (Optional): If you want a more moist casserole, you can pour 1/4 cup of beef broth over the top layer of potatoes.
  14. Dot with Butter: Dot the top layer of potatoes with small pieces of butter.
  15. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
  16. Remove Foil and Bake: After 1 hour, remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown. You can test the potatoes for doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the casserole. If the fork slides in easily, the potatoes are done.
  17. Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  18. Let it Rest: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.
  19. Garnish (Optional): Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
  20. Serve Warm: Serve the meat and potato casserole warm.
  21. Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  22. Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth to prevent it from drying out during reheating.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor.
  • A mandoline slicer helps achieve uniform potato thickness.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings in the creamy sauce as needed.
  • Simmering the meat and sauce enhances the overall taste.
  • Placing sliced potatoes in cold water prevents browning.
  • Adding beef broth keeps the casserole moist.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving allows it to set up.
  • See “Tips and Variations” section for substitutions and additions.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/meat-potato-casserole/