Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Meat Mixture:
• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until softened.
• Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
• In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
• Spread half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Layer half of the ground beef mixture over the potatoes.
• Pour half of the soup mixture evenly over the meat and potatoes.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, and soup mixture.
5. Bake:
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
• Remove the foil, drizzle the melted butter over the top, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
• Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips:
• For extra flavor, add a layer of cooked, crumbled bacon or frozen peas between the meat and potatoes.
• Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery or cheddar soup if preferred.
• Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices to ensure even cooking.
This Meat and Potato Casserole is a delicious and simple comfort food that will quickly become a family favorite!