Casserole with potatoes and meat

A casserole with potatoes and meat is a comforting and hearty dish that can be customized with various flavors and ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe for a classic meat and potato casserole:

Meat and Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey, pork, or chicken)
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen or fresh peas (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or a similar cream soup)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Meat:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the ground beef (or other meat) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary.
   • If using, stir in the peas. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare Potatoes:

   • Peel and slice the potatoes thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). You can use a mandolin slicer to get even slices if you have one.

4. Assemble Casserole:

   • In a large baking dish, arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom.
   • Spread half of the cooked meat mixture over the potatoes.
   • Add another layer of potatoes on top of the meat.
   • Spread the remaining meat mixture over this layer.
   • In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with the milk until smooth, and pour this mixture over the meat and potatoes.
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
   • After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetable Additions: You can add other vegetables like sliced carrots, bell peppers, or corn to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for a bit of heat.
• Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
• Creamy Version: Use a mix of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup for a richer sauce.

This meat and potato casserole is versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy!