Family-Favorite Baked Potato and Meat Casserole

Instructions:

1. Prepare the potatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and dice your russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in a large pot of salted water for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
2. Cook the meat mixture: While the potatoes are boiling, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the meat is browned and the onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the peas and let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Make the creamy base: In a medium bowl, combine the can of cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 cup of milk. Stir well to make a smooth sauce. Add the cooked meat mixture to this creamy sauce and mix everything together.
4. Assemble the casserole: In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), layer the cooked potatoes evenly at the bottom. Pour the meat and creamy sauce mixture over the potatoes. Spread it out so it covers everything evenly.
5. Add the cheesy topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you want extra creaminess, you can also spoon dollops of sour cream on top before baking.
6. Bake and serve: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. If you like a crispier top, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end (just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!).
7. Garnish and enjoy: Once out of the oven, garnish your casserole with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, savory goodness of this meal!

Why This Casserole Is a Family Favorite:

• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need a meal that comes together quickly.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. You can use ground turkey instead of beef, add different vegetables like carrots or corn, or experiment with different types of cheese.
• Comforting: There’s something about baked potatoes and cheesy, meaty casseroles that make them ultimate comfort food. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and the whole family will be asking for seconds.
• Kid-friendly: This casserole is packed with flavors that kids love, from the cheesy top to the tender meat and potatoes. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without the kids noticing!

Tips for the Best Baked Potato and Meat Casserole:

• Add more vegetables: You can sneak in additional veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach to boost the nutritional value of the casserole.
• Make it ahead: If you’re short on time, assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This gives the flavors more time to meld together.
• Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to eat!

Conclusion:

This Baked Potato and Meat Casserole is the ultimate go-to comfort food that brings everyone to the table. With its hearty ingredients, cheesy goodness, and simplicity, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re serving it to your kids, your spouse, or a house full of guests, this dish will leave everyone smiling and satisfied. Enjoy!