Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash and peel potatoes, then slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth and well blended. This creates the rich, creamy sauce that holds the casserole together.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 6: Layer the Casserole
Drain the sliced potatoes and pat dry. Create layers in this order:
- First layer: Half of the potato slices
- Season potatoes with salt and pepper
- Second layer: Half of the cooked beef mixture
- Third layer: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fourth layer: Remaining potato slices
- Fifth layer: Remaining beef mixture
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the top
Step 7: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 45 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 8: Add Cheese Topping
Remove foil and sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top. If using breadcrumbs, toss them with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
Step 9: Finish Baking
Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. The casserole should be hot throughout.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to cut into portions. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Casserole Success Tips
Uniform Slices: Cut potatoes the same thickness so they cook evenly. A mandoline slicer makes this easy.
Don’t Skip Covering: Covering the dish for the first part of baking steams the potatoes and ensures they cook through.
Drain the Beef: Remove excess grease for a less heavy casserole.
Let It Rest: The 10-minute resting period is crucial for clean slices and prevents a soupy consistency.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if starting cold.
Serving Suggestions
This meat and potato casserole is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, buttered corn, or dinner rolls. For extra freshness, serve with sliced tomatoes or coleslaw.
The casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd at potlucks, church suppers, or family gatherings. It travels well and stays hot for a long time.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Add 6 strips of cooked, crumbled bacon between layers
Taco Casserole: Season beef with taco seasoning and use Mexican cheese blend
Italian Style: Use Italian sausage instead of beef and add Italian seasoning
Philly Cheesesteak: Add sliced bell peppers and mushrooms with the onions
Loaded Baked Potato: Add sour cream dollops on top and sprinkle with green onions and bacon
Healthier Version: Use ground turkey, low-fat soup, and reduced-fat cheese
Breakfast Casserole: Use breakfast sausage and top with fried eggs before serving
BBQ Beef: Mix BBQ sauce into the beef mixture for smoky-sweet flavor
This meat and potato casserole is pure comfort food that satisfies hungry appetites and warms the soul!
