Meat & Potato Casserole: A Hearty and Comforting Dish

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A Meat and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food – a one-pan dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese come together to create a hearty and satisfying casserole. This dish combines classic ingredients with bold flavors, making it a favorite for families, especially on chilly evenings.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a dish to serve at a gathering, this Meat and Potato Casserole will surely become a new go-to recipe. It’s easy to make, filling, and so comforting – a true classic!

Ingredients:

For the casserole:

  • 500 g ground beef (or your choice of ground meat)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

For the topping:

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the breadcrumb topping)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the meat filling

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef (or your choice of meat) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the potato layers

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar size casserole dish with a little butter or oil.
  2. Layer the bottom of the casserole dish with a portion of the thinly sliced potatoes, overlapping slightly to form an even layer.
  3. Season the potatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the casserole

  1. Spread half of the cooked meat mixture evenly over the potato layer.
  2. Add another layer of potatoes on top of the meat. Season with salt and pepper again.
  3. Add the remaining meat mixture, followed by the final layer of potatoes.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream and beef broth until smooth, and then pour this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, ensuring that the potatoes are covered.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. If you want a crispy topping, you can also sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese.

Step 4: Bake the casserole

  1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is bubbling.
  2. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become golden brown. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the cheese and bake for the last 10 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

  1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Chef’s Tip:

For a creamier casserole, you can mix in a bit of cream cheese with the sour cream. You can also swap the cheddar for mozzarella or Gruyère for a different cheese flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole in advance? Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

2. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a unique flavor and sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory meat filling. Be sure to slice them thinly so they cook through properly.

3. Can I freeze the casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.

4. How can I make this dish lighter? To reduce the calorie count, you can swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt, use lean ground turkey instead of beef, and opt for a reduced-fat cheese. You could also try using cauliflower instead of potatoes for a low-carb version.

This Meat and Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—warm, filling, and delicious! It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the layers of flavor and the satisfying textures, and don’t forget to go back for seconds!

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