Meat and Potato Casserole

There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic Meat and Potato Casserole — a hearty, home-style dish that brings everyone to the table. With its savory ground beef layer topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until beautifully golden, this casserole is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for busy families, cozy weekends, or even make-ahead dinners.

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm dinner rolls. It's filling, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What You Need to Make This Recipe
How to Make This Recipe
Expert Tips
FAQs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A full meal in one dish — protein, veggies, and potatoes together.
• The mashed potato topping turns beautifully golden and crispy.
• Easy to customize with different meats, cheeses, or vegetables.
• Great for meal prep — reheats perfectly.
• Family-friendly comfort food that everyone enjoys.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

The full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

• Potatoes
• Sour cream or butter
• Milk or cream
• Ground beef or lamb
• Onion and garlic
• Mixed vegetables
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Flour & Worcestershire sauce
• Herbs and seasonings
• Cheddar cheese (optional)

How to Make This Recipe

See the detailed step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below.

1. Boil the potatoes and mash them with sour cream, butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Sauté onions and garlic, then brown the beef.
3. Add tomato paste, flour, broth, Worcestershire, herbs, and vegetables.
4. Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish.
5. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until golden.

Expert Tips

• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest topping.
• Add grated cheddar between the meat and potatoes for more richness.
• A fork swirl pattern helps the top crisp up beautifully.
• Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting — it holds together better.
• Great recipe for using leftover mashed potatoes.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Add 10 extra minutes if baking cold.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely — freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Can I use different meat?
Yes, ground lamb, turkey, or chicken all work well.

What vegetables work best?
Frozen peas, carrots, and corn are perfect, but you can add mushrooms or green beans too.

Meat and Potato Casserole

Servings: 6–8   |   Prep Time: 30 minutes   |   Cook Time: 30 minutes   |   Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the mashed potato topping:

• 2.5 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• ½ cup sour cream or ¼ cup butter
• ¼–½ cup warm milk or cream
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

For the meat filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 lbs ground beef or lamb
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
4. Add ground beef and brown thoroughly; drain excess fat.
5. Stir in thyme, tomato paste, and flour; cook 1 minute.
6. Add broth and Worcestershire; simmer until thickened.
7. Mix in frozen vegetables and season well.
8. Transfer meat mixture to a 9×13 dish.
9. Top with mashed potatoes; swirl with fork.
10. Add cheese if using and bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
11. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.