Easy Hearty Potato and Meat Bake Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Sizzling comfort rises from the depths of this classic potato and meat bake, a dish that promises warmth and satisfaction in every delectable bite.

Golden potatoes nestled between savory layers of seasoned meat create a mouthwatering meal that speaks directly to hungry souls.

The rich aroma fills the kitchen, hinting at the delicious journey ahead.

Each forkful combines tender meat with creamy potato goodness, making this bake a true crowd-pleaser.

Robust flavors blend seamlessly, promising a hearty meal that satisfies even the most demanding appetites.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a memorable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress with this irresistible comfort food classic.

How to Serve This Bake at Any Gathering

• Pair with Fresh Green Salad: Serve this hearty potato and meat bake alongside a crisp mixed green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy dish and add refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Slice some warm, crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious sauce and provide extra texture to the meal.
• Create a Complete Comfort Meal: Add steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans on the side to boost nutrition and create a well-rounded, satisfying dinner plate that everyone will love.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor to this comforting casserole.

Storage Tips for a Casserole That Lasts

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover potato and meat bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezer-safe for up to 2 months. Place in freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn and preserve taste.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of extra stock or cream to restore moisture if needed.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and optimal taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients You’ll Need for Hearty Potato Bake

• Ground Meat: Provides rich, hearty protein base with deep flavor profiles.
• Onions: Adds sweet, caramelized undertones and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle, concentrated garlic essence without chopping.
• Paprika: Introduces warm, slightly smoky note with vibrant color.
• Rosemary: Contributes earthy, pine-like herbal complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates silky, luxurious binding sauce.
• Stock: Intensifies savory liquid foundation with robust depth.
• Milk or Cream: Smooths texture and adds luxurious richness.

• Potatoes: Hearty, starchy foundation that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into golden, stretchy layer with tangy complexity.
• Aluminum Foil: Protects dish during slow, even cooking process.

Tools That Help With Meat & Potato

• Sharp Knife: Perfect for chopping onions and slicing potatoes thinly and evenly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for all ingredient prep and chopping.
• Medium Frying Pan: Essential for cooking ground meat and onions until fully browned.
• Whisk: Great for blending soup mixture smoothly without lumps.
• 11×7 Inch Glass Baking Dish: Ideal size for creating delicious layered potato bake.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Aluminum Foil: Needed to cover dish while baking, keeping moisture locked in.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.

Cook Hearty Potato Bake Without Dryness

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Warm your oven to a toasty 350°F. Select a glass baking dish and lightly coat with cooking spray for easy serving and cleanup.

• Meat Base Foundation

Brown ground meat with diced onions in a skillet. Sprinkle in aromatic herbs like rosemary and a dash of garlic powder for rich flavor. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.

• Creamy Binding Sauce

Whisk together mushroom soup with milk, creating a smooth and velvety liquid that will help bind the layers. Season gently with salt and pepper.

• Layering Magic

Create delicious layers starting with thin potato slices covering the bottom of the dish. Pour some sauce, add meat, then sprinkle cheese. Repeat these layers to build depth of flavor.

• Baking Performance

Cover the casserole with foil and slide into the heated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour until potatoes become tender and the top turns golden and slightly crispy. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Ideas to Add Extra Veggies or Spice

• Try sharp cheddar, smoky gouda, or spicy pepper jack to elevate the dish's richness and complexity.
• Add diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or spinach between layers for extra nutrition and texture.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on the final cheese layer for a delightful crunchy finish.
• Assemble the entire casserole a day before, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.

Rustic Potato And Meat Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Rustic potato and meat bake brings comfort from Eastern European kitchens with layered potatoes, savory ground beef, and rich seasonings. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef or venison
• 3 cups (750 ml) thinly sliced potatoes (approximately 5 potatoes)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1.5 cups (375 ml) shredded cheese
• 1.5 cups (375 ml) cream of mushroom soup or 1 can (check for gluten-free options if required)
• 0.5 cups (125 ml) stock (any kind)
• 0.25 cups (60 ml) milk or cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 tsp rosemary (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350°F (175°C) and delicately coat an 11 x 7 inch glass baking dish with a light butter or cooking spray layer.
2. Meat Foundation: In a robust skillet, transform ground meat and onions over medium-high heat, browning thoroughly until no pink remains, simultaneously releasing robust flavors and eliminating excess fat.
3. Seasoning Fusion: Elevate the meat mixture with aromatic garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary, generously seasoning with salt and black pepper to create a flavor-packed base.
4. Creamy Integration: Whisk cream of mushroom soup, beef stock, and whole milk into a silky sauce, ensuring balanced and harmonious flavor profiles.
5. Layering Technique: Construct the casserole by strategically placing potato slices across the baking dish’s bottom, then cascade one-third of the soup mixture, ensuring complete potato coverage.
6. Cheese and Meat Stratification: Distribute seasoned meat mixture and shredded cheese across potato layers, repeating the process to create a multi-dimensional culinary landscape.
7. Baking Transformation: Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing potatoes to tenderize and surfaces to caramelize into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
8. Resting Period: After removing from the oven, let the casserole settle for 10-15 minutes, allowing layers to consolidate and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Slice Potatoes Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to cut potatoes into consistent 1/4-inch thick slices, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from browned meat to prevent a greasy casserole and maintain a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a melting cheese like sharp cheddar or gruyere for maximum flavor and creamy, golden-brown top layer.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for 10-15 minutes after baking, which helps layers set and makes cutting and serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg