Description
Experience the rich and comforting flavors of the Hearty Potato and Meat Bake, a perfect dish for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This casserole combines layers of juicy meat, tenderly sliced potatoes, and a cream-based sauce topped off with melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that satisfy both heart and soul.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef or venison
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (approximately 5 potatoes)
- 1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup or 1 can (check for gluten-free options if required)
- 1/2 cup stock (any kind)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 11×7 inch glass baking dish. Gather all your ingredients on the countertop to streamline the cooking process.
2. Cooking the Meat
In a medium frying pan, cook the chopped onions and ground meat until fully cooked. Stir in the optional garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary for added flavor, and season with salt and pepper. Ensure any excess grease is drained off to keep the dish less oily.
3. Mixing the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, stock, and milk or cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
4. Assembling the Bake
Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour a portion of the soup mixture over the potatoes, then evenly spread half of the cooked meat and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
5. Baking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil (greased side down) and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Total Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Calories per serving: 530 kcal
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering and storing in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If using an oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
The Hearty Potato and Meat Bake is a delectable and easy dish packed with the robust flavors of meat and potatoes, enveloped in a creamy sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers to enjoy through the week, this casserole promises warmth, comfort, and satisfaction with every bite.
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Hearty Potato and Meat Bake
- Total Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Experience the rich and comforting flavors of the Hearty Potato and Meat Bake, a perfect dish for chilly evenings or family gatherings. This casserole combines layers of juicy meat, tenderly sliced potatoes, and a cream-based sauce topped off with melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that satisfy both heart and soul.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef or venison
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes (approximately 5 potatoes)
- 1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup or 1 can (check for gluten-free options if required)
- 1/2 cup stock (any kind)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 11×7 inch glass baking dish. Gather all your ingredients on the countertop to streamline the cooking process.
- In a medium frying pan, cook the chopped onions and ground meat until fully cooked. Stir in the optional garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary for added flavor, and season with salt and pepper. Ensure any excess grease is drained off to keep the dish less oily.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, stock, and milk or cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
- Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour a portion of the soup mixture over the potatoes, then evenly spread half of the cooked meat and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil (greased side down) and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 530 kcal