Meat Potato Bake
A hearty meat and potato casserole featuring a creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers who enjoy savory, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put ground beef and onion in a pan and brown.
- Add salt and stir.
- Melt butter or margarine in another pan.
- Add flour to the melted butter and stir until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly.
- Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring as it cooks.
- Place half of the sliced potatoes in a baking dish.
- Add half of the cooked meat, then half of the sauce.
- Add the remaining potatoes, meat, and sauce.
- Cover the baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Remove cover and brown under broiler until browned, about 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the ground beef with garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked potatoes or even frozen hash browns. This dish is versatile; feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Meat Potato Bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra richness. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside a warm loaf of crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, heating in short intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Potato Bake contains roughly 1259 calories, with 7g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 109g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (32% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1770mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Meat Potato Bake a day in advance. Assemble the dish without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, which holds up well during baking. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they may become mushy and not provide the desired texture.
Can I freeze this Meat Potato Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If you prefer, you can also freeze leftovers after they are baked. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).