Meat and Potato Casserole

This hearty Meat and Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort food for a family dinner. Layers of tender potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce make this dish irresistibly delicious. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together the savory flavors of beef and the satisfying texture of potatoes, all topped with melted cheese for an extra indulgence.

Ingredients (Servings 8):

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 5 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking.

1. Cook Meat and Onions:

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

1. Prepare Sauce:

• In a medium bowl, mix together the heavy whipping cream, beef broth, dried rosemary, garlic powder, cream of mushroom soup, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.

1. Layer Ingredients:

• Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Pour 1/3 of the soup mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle half of the cooked meat mixture over the soup layer.
• Repeat with another layer of potatoes, another 1/3 of the soup mixture, and the remaining meat mixture.
• Top with the final layer of the soup mixture, ensuring it covers all the potatoes and meat evenly.

1. Add Cheese:

• Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

1. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

1. Serve:

• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting blend of flavors and textures in each bite.

Tips:

• Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best for this recipe due to their firm texture and ability to hold up well during baking.
• Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend; sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend are all great choices.
• Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, consider adding a layer of your favorite vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried ones for a more vibrant flavor. Adjust quantities to taste.

This Meat and Potato Casserole is a versatile and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner that the whole family will love.