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Next, add the **diced onion** and **minced garlic** to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the **Worcestershire sauce**, **salt**, **pepper**, and **oregano**. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
#### Step 3: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the **cream of mushroom soup**, **sour cream**, and **milk**. Stir to mix everything together into a smooth sauce. This will form the creamy base that binds the casserole together.
Once the meat and onion mixture is done cooking, add the **frozen peas** to the skillet. Stir them in and cook for another 2 minutes. Then, pour the soup mixture over the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring to combine.
#### Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Now it’s time to layer everything together! Spread half of the meat and vegetable mixture over the layer of potatoes in the baking dish. Top with a layer of **shredded cheese**.
Then, add the remaining potatoes and repeat the process, layering the rest of the meat and vegetable mixture on top, followed by the remaining cheese. The cheese will melt and become golden brown as it bakes, creating a delicious crust.
#### Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for **40-45 minutes**. This allows the potatoes to cook through and the flavors to combine.
After 40-45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional **10-15 minutes**, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. If you want the cheese to be extra crispy, you can broil it for a few minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up a bit for easier slicing.
Serve this delicious, hearty casserole with a side salad or some steamed vegetables, and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness that will surely be a hit with your family!
### Tips for Perfect Baked Potato and Meat Casserole
– **Use Thin Potato Slices**: The thinner your potato slices, the faster they’ll cook and the more tender they’ll be. You can also try using a mandoline slicer for even, uniform slices.
– **Customize the Meat**: Feel free to switch out the ground beef for your favorite ground meat, such as turkey, sausage, or chicken. You can also use a combination for added flavor.
– **Add More Vegetables**: Want to sneak in more veggies? Add carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
– **Make Ahead**: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
– **Toppings**: Add some crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs on top of the cheese for an extra crunchy topping.
### Final Thoughts
This **Baked Potato and Meat Casserole** is the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy even the heartiest appetites. With its creamy, cheesy layers of potatoes, savory meat, and delicious seasonings, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also customizable to suit everyone’s tastes. Give this family favorite a try, and it might just become your go-to dinner for busy nights or cozy weekends.
