There are some dishes that are simply timeless—recipes that have been passed down through generations, gracing tables during celebrations, and comforting those who need a hearty meal after a long day. This Cheesy Meat and Potato Casserole is one of those dishes. It brings together tender layers of seasoned minced meat, creamy potatoes, savory cheese, and aromatic spices to create a flavorful, satisfying casserole that everyone will love. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
What makes this casserole so appealing is its versatility and comforting nature. The rich, savory layers of meat are complemented by the softness of the potatoes, while the cheese and creamy sauce add richness and depth. The seasonings—from garlic, black pepper, and red pepper to the subtle hint of rosemary and nutmeg—bring a unique flavor profile that is both warming and delicious. It’s a meal that brings together all the qualities we love in comfort food: hearty, flavorful, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is not only delicious but also visually stunning with its layers of golden cheese and crispy edges. The combination of ingredients allows for flexibility in the kitchen, as you can add your favorite vegetables or adjust the level of seasoning based on personal preference. The versatility, ease of preparation, and unbeatable taste make this Cheesy Meat and Potato Casserole a timeless classic that’s perfect for any gathering or everyday meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Potato Layer:
- 5 large potatoes (800 grams or 1.76 pounds)
- Water (for boiling)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling potatoes)
- Sunflower oil (for frying potatoes)
- 200 grams cheese (0.44 lbs, shredded, any type of cheese you prefer)
For the Meat Layer:
- 400 grams minced meat (0.88 pounds, beef, pork, or a mix of both)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Provencal herbs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Cilantro (a small bunch, chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic
- Ground black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 50 grams butter (0.11 lbs)
- 50 grams flour (0.11 lbs)
- 500 milliliters milk (2 cups)
- 100 grams grated cheese (0.22 lbs)
- A pinch of nutmeg
- A pinch of dried rosemary
- Ground black pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Steps to Prepare:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds. This will ensure they cook evenly and layer beautifully in the casserole.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and then add the sliced potatoes. Boil the potatoes until they are tender but not too soft (about 7-10 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
2. Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned.
- Once the meat is browned, add the chopped tomatoes, cilantro, red pepper, ground black pepper, and Provencal herbs. Stir well to combine, and season with salt and dried garlic to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 50 grams of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Continue whisking for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the grated cheese, nutmeg, rosemary, and ground black pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil. Begin layering your casserole by placing a layer of boiled potato slices at the bottom of the dish.
- Add a layer of the cooked meat mixture over the potatoes, followed by a generous pour of the creamy cheese sauce.
- Repeat this layering process, starting with the potatoes, followed by meat, and sauce until all ingredients are used. Finish with a final layer of potatoes on top.
- Sprinkle the top layer with shredded cheese and a pinch of black pepper.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- If you want a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to firm up.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 1 hour
Total Time:
- 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings:
- 4-6 servings
Calories:
- Approximately 450-500 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients and portion size.
Explanation of the Recipe:
This Cheesy Meat and Potato Casserole is the perfect example of how simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create a comforting and satisfying dish. Potatoes and meat are the stars of this recipe, and their flavors are enhanced by the addition of aromatic herbs and spices, creating a warm, hearty base. The creamy cheese sauce ties everything together, while the baked layers of cheese give it a satisfying golden crust.
This dish is timeless for its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences—substitute ground turkey for the beef, add some vegetables to the meat mixture, or use different types of cheese. It’s a dish that can evolve with whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it an ideal go-to for a quick family dinner or a special occasion.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600-700mg
FAQs:
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes! This casserole can be assembled a day ahead, stored in the refrigerator, and then baked the next day. If doing this, allow the casserole to come to room temperature before baking.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, this casserole freezes well. You can either freeze the entire casserole or individual portions. To reheat, simply bake from frozen, adding an additional 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar. Each will bring its own flavor and texture to the dish.
Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Meat and Potato Casserole:
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a fluffy texture that holds up well in casseroles.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes when boiling them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Sauté the meat mixture well to develop deeper flavors before layering it in the casserole.
- For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
Storage Tips:
- Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Meat and Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s warm, comforting, and absolutely delicious—perfect for a family dinner or as a meal prep for busy weeks ahead. The layers of tender meat, soft potatoes, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy topping are a delightful combination that never goes out of style. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it on your own, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings and become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.