The Coziest Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting the perfect meat & potato casserole brings comfort directly to your dinner table.

Generations have savored this hearty dish with pure delight.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly into a mouthwatering masterpiece that satisfies deep hunger.

Layers of tender potatoes and seasoned meat create a robust flavor profile.

Homemade warmth radiates from each carefully prepared serving.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this classic recipe.

Come experience a culinary journey that promises to become your new favorite weeknight meal.

Why Meat & Potato Casserole Is So Comforting

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming dish packed with rich, indulgent flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Simplify Meal Prep: One-pan wonder that combines multiple ingredients into a complete meal, minimizing kitchen cleanup and cooking steps.
• Master Layered Perfection: Create restaurant-quality casserole with easy-to-follow techniques that build incredible depth of flavor through strategic ingredient placement.
• Crowd-Pleasing Champion: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves a satisfying, protein-packed meal that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients for Meat & Potato Casserole

• Potatoes: A hearty foundation that provides a comforting and filling base for the casserole.
• Ground Beef: A protein-rich ingredient that adds substantial flavor and meaty texture to the dish.

• Bacon, Onions, Garlic: These ingredients create a deeply savory and aromatic flavor profile for the casserole.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural tastes of the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps to distribute flavors evenly.

• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Combine to create a rich, velvety sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty, sharp topping that adds golden color and intense cheesy flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright garnish that offers a fresh finish to the rich dish.

How to Make Meat & Potato Casserole Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a generous layer of grease to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Bacon Transformation

Sizzle the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it turns golden and develops a delightful crunch. Transfer the crispy pieces to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the flavorful bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3: Beef and Garlic Dance

In the same skillet with bacon drippings, brown the ground beef alongside minced garlic. Break the meat into tiny crumbles, cooking until every bit of pink disappears.

Step 4: Potato Foundation

Create a delicious base by layering sliced potatoes in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them for maximum coverage.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Layers

Sprinkle diced onions evenly over the potato layer, then spread the browned ground beef on top.

Step 6: Season and Drizzle

Drizzle olive oil across the meat layer and generously season with salt and black pepper to boost the flavor profile.

Step 7: Bacon Bliss

Scatter the crispy bacon pieces uniformly over the seasoned meat layer, adding a crunchy texture.

Step 8: Creamy Fusion

Whisk heavy cream and sour cream together, then pour the luxurious mixture evenly across the casserole.

Step 9: Cheese Avalanche

Completely cover the surface with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 10: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 11: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. Watch for tender potatoes and a golden, bubbly cheese top.

Step 12: Rest and Garnish

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 13: Serve and Devour

Slice into this comfort food masterpiece and serve piping hot, ready to impress everyone at the table.

Pro Tips for Meat & Potato Casserole

• Prevent Potato Sticking: Slice potatoes uniformly and arrange in slightly overlapping layers to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Reserve bacon fat for browning ground beef, which adds a rich, smoky undertone to the entire casserole.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess liquid in the dish.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use room temperature cheese and grate it fresh for optimal melting and golden, bubbly coverage.
• Rest and Settle: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking, which helps ingredients set and makes cutting cleaner and more precise.

New Takes on Meat & Potato Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace potato slices with thinly sliced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Swap: Substitute ground beef with sautéed portobello mushrooms and use vegetarian bacon bits to create a meat-free alternative packed with earthy flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat layer for a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole.
• Mediterranean-Style Option: Replace bacon with crumbled feta cheese, add spinach between layers, and incorporate oregano and garlic for a Mediterranean-influenced comfort dish.

What to Serve with Meat & Potato Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel cuts through the richness of the cheesy, meaty casserole, complementing its hearty flavors with tangy wine notes.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Light, tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, creamy casserole, balancing the dish's richness.
• Match with Craft Beer: Amber ale or hoppy IPA offers a perfect counterpoint, with malty undertones and carbonation that cleanse the palate between savory bites.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Chopped chives or green onions sprinkled on top add a bright, sharp element that cuts through the dense, creamy layers and enhances overall flavor profile.

Best Storage Tips for Meat & Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing flat in the freezer for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake uncovered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil if edges brown too quickly to prevent burning.

FAQs About Meat & Potato Casserole

• What makes this ground beef and potato casserole different from other casseroles?

This recipe combines crispy bacon, browned ground beef, creamy layers, and cheesy topping, creating a hearty one-dish meal that’s packed with robust flavors and textures.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, swap cheddar cheese with monterey jack or colby, and use turkey bacon if preferred. Just maintain similar cooking techniques.

• Is this dish budget-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole uses affordable ingredients like potatoes, ground beef, and basic seasonings, making it an economical meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

Meat & Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty midwestern comfort shines through this meat & potato casserole, delivering classic flavors that warm hearts. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 0.5 lbs bacon, chopped

Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes, sliced
• 1 large onion, diced

Other Ingredients:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, crisp the chopped bacon over medium heat until golden and slightly crunchy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat in the pan.
3. Using the same skillet with bacon drippings, brown the ground beef with minced garlic, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until no pink remains.
4. Layer the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even, slightly overlapping base.
5. Sprinkle diced onions evenly over the potato layer, then distribute the browned ground beef on top.
6. Drizzle olive oil across the meat layer and season with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
7. Scatter the crispy bacon pieces uniformly over the seasoned meat layer.
8. Whisk heavy cream and sour cream together, then pour the creamy mixture evenly across the casserole.
9. Generously cover the entire surface with shredded cheddar cheese.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
11. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped parsley.
13. Slice and serve hot, enjoying the rich layers of comfort food.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier version that still delivers incredible flavor.
• Slice potatoes ultra-thin using a mandoline for consistent, quick-cooking layers that ensure perfect texture throughout the casserole.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like Gruyère or smoked Gouda to add depth and unique flavor profiles to the classic comfort dish.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and checking bacon and cheese labels carefully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg