Here’s a comforting, hearty, and easy Meat & Potato Casserole—creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a cozy dinner. You can use ground beef or ground turkey, and it’s very customizable.
🥘 Meat and Potato Casserole
Ingredients (serves 6)
For the meat layer:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or corn
For the potato layer:
- 5–6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- 1 cup heavy cream, milk, or a mix
- ½ cup sour cream (optional for creaminess)
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder
Topping:
- ½–1 cup cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
- Parsley for garnish
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the meat layer
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onions until browned.
- Add garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Stir in peas/corn if using.
- Remove from heat.
2. Prepare the potato mixture
- Peel (optional) and thinly slice the potatoes (⅛–¼ inch).
- In a bowl, mix cream/milk + sour cream (if using) + a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Toss the potatoes in this mixture so they’re coated.
3. Assemble the casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish.
- Layer half the potatoes on the bottom.
- Add all the cooked meat on top.
- Add half the cheese.
- Layer the remaining potatoes.
- Pour any leftover cream mixture evenly over the top.
4. Bake
- Cover with foil.
- Bake 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake 20–25 more minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Rest & Serve
- Let sit 10 minutes before slicing—it sets and becomes creamier.
- Garnish with parsley.
⭐ Variations
1. Hamburger Helper-Style
Add 1 cup beef broth + 1 tbsp tomato paste to the meat for a saucy interior.
2. Creamy Mushroom Version
Add sautéed mushrooms and replace half the cream with canned cream of mushroom soup.
3. Cheesy Ranch Casserole
Add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning to the potato mixture.
4. Breakfast Style
Use sausage instead of beef and add scrambled eggs between layers.
Want a healthy version, low-carb version, or slow cooker version?
