Here’s a detailed, step-by-step article about Meat and Potato Casserole:

Meat and Potato Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Food Classic

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the cozy, hearty appeal of a Meat and Potato Casserole. Bursting with savory flavors, tender meat, and creamy potatoes, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a warm, satisfying meal. Below, we’ll explore everything you need to make this classic casserole, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

For a standard 6–8 serving casserole, you’ll need:

For the Meat Layer:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef, pork, or a mixture
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste or ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional, for extra richness)

For the Potato Layer:

• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced or diced
• 1 cup milk (or cream for richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For Topping (Optional but Recommended):

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs for a crispy finish
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil or butter.
2. Sauté the chopped onions until soft and translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spatula.
5. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.
6. If using, stir in tomato paste or diced tomatoes.
7. Cook until the meat is fully browned and any liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel and thinly slice or dice the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. In a saucepan, heat milk and butter together until the butter melts.
3. Season the milk mixture with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.
4. Par-cook the potatoes in the milk mixture for about 5–7 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. This ensures they bake evenly in the casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. Spread half of the potatoes evenly at the bottom of the dish.
4. Layer the cooked meat mixture evenly over the potatoes.
5. Top with the remaining potatoes. Pour any remaining milk mixture over the top.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese and breadcrumbs evenly for a golden, bubbly crust.

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