🥩 Hearty Meat & Potato Casserole 🥔
A comforting, all-in-one dish with savory ground meat, tender potatoes, and melty cheese—just like grandma used to make!
📝 Ingredients *(Serves 4-6)*
Base Layer:
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1 lb lean ground beef (or venison, turkey, or pork)
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
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½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
Potato Layer:
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4 cups thinly sliced potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
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½ cup heavy cream or milk
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1 tbsp butter, diced
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Paprika for sprinkling
*(Optional upgrades: ½ cup mushrooms, 1 cup frozen peas/carrots, or crispy bacon bits!)*
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Meat:
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In a skillet, cook ground meat, onion, and garlic over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain fat.
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Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Set aside.
2️⃣ Layer the Casserole:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spread half the potatoes in the dish. Top with all the meat mixture, then remaining potatoes.
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Pour cream evenly over top. Dot with butter and sprinkle cheese + paprika.
3️⃣ Bake:
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Cover with foil and bake 45 mins. Uncover and bake 15-20 mins more until potatoes are tender and cheese is golden.
4️⃣ Rest & Serve:
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Let stand 5 mins. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Pair with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli.
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Great with hot sauce or ketchup for dipping!
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Faster prep? Use frozen hash browns (thawed) instead of fresh potatoes.
✅ Extra crispy top: Broil for 2-3 mins at the end.
✅ Make ahead: Assemble 1 day ahead and refrigerate (add 10 mins baking time).
🌟 Why You’ll Love It
✨ One-dish wonder—minimal cleanup!
✨ Customizable with your favorite veggies or spices.
✨ Freezer-friendly for future easy meals.
Variation: Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add a layer of cream of mushroom soup for extra richness.
Need a slow-cooker or gluten-free version? Just ask! 😊