Cheesy Meat Potato Casserole for One
This cheesy meat with potatoes casserole is perfect for those seeking a quick yet delicious meal, that you can make with only 10 minutes of prep time, the rest, it will cook by itself. This potato casserole is perfect for any occasion and you can easily scale it up to cook for more servings.
Are you craving a hearty meal but only cooking for one? Well, this potato casserole is perfect for a single serving, it’s the ideal choice for a quick lunch or dinner.
This easy recipe, ideal for those with a busy lifestyle or limited kitchen experience, combines common ingredients into a flavorful delight.
Imagine the ease of grating vegetables and layering them with juicy ground chicken and pork mix and creamy cheese.
The simplicity of preparation is a key highlight – just arrange everything in a few layers and let your oven do the rest.
This meat and potato casserole for one proves that a baked potato with minced meat can be a gourmet yet uncomplicated dish. It’s perfect for days when you want a satisfying meal without the hassle of complex cooking steps.
So, whether you’re a kitchen novice or just looking for an effortless meat potato bake for one, this casserole with potatoes and ground chicken meat is a must-try.
Let’s dive in!
🌟 Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: For a casserole, it’s crucial to use potatoes that hold their shape and don’t turn mushy when baked. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices for their texture and ability to absorb flavors.
- Grate Vegetables Finely: Ensure the carrot and onion are grated finely. This helps them cook evenly and integrate seamlessly into the casserole, enhancing the overall texture and flavor balance.
- Quality of Ground Meat Matters: I used a mix of ground chicken and pork for a perfect balance of taste and fat. You can also opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option. The leaner the meat, the less grease in your casserole, making it a lighter yet satisfying meal.
- Layering is Key: Pay attention to how you layer your ingredients. Start with a layer of potatoes, followed by beat, vegetables, and cheese. This ensures every bite is packed with all the flavors.
- Don’t Overdo the Mayonnaise: A little goes a long way. Use just enough mayonnaise to add creaminess without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Cheese Selection: Choose a cheese that melts well, like cheddar or mozzarella. The cheese not only adds flavor but also creates a deliciously gooey texture that’s irresistible.
- Baking Time and Temperature: Stick to the recommended baking time and temperature. Overbaking can dry out the casserole, while underbaking might leave your potatoes hard.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This lets it set, making it easier to serve a beautifully structured portion.
🥘 Ingredients & Substitutes
- Ground Meat: I used a mix of pork and chicken for rich, meaty flavors. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or beef. They’re lighter yet still bring the necessary substance to the dish.
- Potatoes: These starchy veggies are the backbone of our casserole, giving it structure and a comforting texture. Sweet potatoes are a great alternative, adding a hint of sweetness and extra nutrients.
- Carrots: Add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Swap them with parsnips or bell peppers for a similar texture but a slightly different flavor profile.
- Onion: This is the flavor enhancer of our dish, giving it depth. If onions aren’t your thing, try leeks or shallots for a milder taste that still offers that aromatic boost.
- Mayonnaise: It brings creamy moisture to the casserole. Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as alternatives, offering a similar texture with a tangier flavor.
- Cheese: Cheese adds a gooey, melty delight to the dish. For a different taste, try a mix of Gruyere or Swiss cheese. They melt beautifully and offer a nuttier flavor.
👩🍳 Directions
This recipe is perfect when you want to quickly cook something using simple ingredients, yet it’s very flavorful and delicious.
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Then, clean and thoroughly wash the vegetables: onion, carrot, and potatoes. Grate them, add mayonnaise, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well.
Next, grease a baking dish with a teaspoon of olive oil. Divide the vegetable mixture into two parts and spread one part at the bottom of the dish.
Now, distribute the minced meat in an even layer and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the second part of the vegetable mixture over the meat in an even layer. Pour any juice that remained in the bowl from the vegetables over this layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the dish and sprinkle grated cheese on top.
Return it to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown.
Now it’s ready to be served.
For a complete and balanced meal, I suggest serving it with a green salad.
🍴 How to Double the Recipe:
Doubling this cheesy meat with potatoes casserole recipe is straightforward. Simply double the quantities of all your ingredients: use two carrots instead of one, two onions, and double the amount of ground meat, potatoes, mayonnaise, and cheese.
This will ensure that the flavors and textures remain balanced. When it comes to baking, choose a larger dish to accommodate the increased volume.
Keep an eye on the baking time; it may need a few extra minutes to ensure everything is cooked through perfectly.
However, be cautious not to overbake. This adjustment will provide a hearty meal for two, maintaining the delightful flavors and textures of the original single-serving recipe.
🍽️ Servings
Rustic Garden Salad Side
- Components: Pair the casserole with a fresh garden salad consisting of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Presentation: Serve the salad in a small bowl or on the side of the plate, complementing the casserole. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese and a few croutons for texture.
- Occasion: Perfect for a balanced dinner or a wholesome lunch, adding freshness and color to your meal.
Hearty Garlic Bread Accompaniment
- Components: Alongside the casserole, serve warm garlic bread. You’ll need a baguette, butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
- Presentation: Slice the baguette diagonally, spread the garlic butter mixture on each slice, and bake until golden. Arrange the slices around the casserole on the plate.
- Occasion: Ideal for a cozy evening meal, especially during colder months. The garlic bread adds a comforting, savory touch.
Elegant Wine Pairing
- Components: Complement the casserole with a glass of medium-bodied red wine, like Merlot or Pinot Noir.
- Presentation: Serve the wine in a proper red wine glass, placed to the right of the water glass.
- Occasion: Suitable for a special dinner for one or when entertaining a guest. This pairing elevates the meal to a more sophisticated dining experience.
Simple Steamed Vegetables
- Components: Offer a side of steamed broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower.
- Presentation: Place the brightly colored vegetables next to the casserole, either on the same plate or in a small side dish.
- Occasion: Great for a nutritious and visually appealing dinner, especially when you’re looking to add more vegetables to your meal.
🍽️ Variations
Vegetarian Twist
- Modification: Replace the ground meat with a mix of lentils and chopped mushrooms to mimic the texture and richness of meat.
- Additional Ingredients: Green lentils, button or portobello mushrooms.
- Flavor Profile: Earthy and hearty, this variation is perfect for those seeking a meat-free option without sacrificing depth of flavor.
Spicy Kick
- Modification: Add some heat to the casserole with chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili powder mixed into the ground meat.
- Additional Ingredients: Jalapeños or chili powder.
- Flavor Profile: This version is ideal for those who love a spicy edge in their meals, adding an exciting twist to the classic recipe.
Creamy Dream
- Modification: For a creamier texture, mix in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream with the mayonnaise layer.
- Additional Ingredients: Cream cheese or heavy cream.
- Flavor Profile: This creates a richer, more indulgent casserole, perfect for those looking for a comfort food experience.
BBQ Fusion
- Modification: Infuse a barbecue flavor by mixing a bit of BBQ sauce into the ground meat before layering.
- Additional Ingredients: BBQ sauce.
- Flavor Profile: This variation adds a sweet and smoky dimension, making it a unique and flavorful twist on the classic recipe.
Cheesy Deluxe
- Modification: Add an extra layer of cheese between each layer and choose a mix of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda.
- Additional Ingredients: A variety of cheeses such as gouda and mozzarella.
- Flavor Profile: For cheese lovers, this version offers a gooey, cheesy delight in every bite, elevating the dish to a new level of deliciousness.
❄️ Storage
In the Fridge
- Duration: Your casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Container: Store it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Consideration: Make sure the casserole cools to room temperature before refrigerating. Placing hot food directly in the fridge can raise the appliance’s temperature, potentially spoiling other stored food.
In the Freezer
- Duration: For longer storage, this casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Container: Use a freezer-safe container or wrap the portions tightly in freezer wrap or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Consideration: Label the container with the date, so you remember when it was stored. Freezing in individual servings can make it easier to thaw and reheat later.
Thawing
- Method: Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature as it can lead to bacterial growth.
- Consideration: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave to defrost it, but be sure to use the defrost setting to prevent the edges from cooking while the center is still frozen.
Reheating
- Oven Method: For the best texture, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This could take about 20 minutes, depending on the portion size.
- Microwave Method: You can also use a microwave. Cover the casserole with a microwave-safe lid or wrap and heat on a medium setting, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Consideration: Be cautious not to overheat as it can dry out the casserole, especially the potatoes and cheese.
🤔 FAQs
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
What Should I Do with Leftover Ingredients?
How Can I Add More Flavor to This Casserole?
📔 Recipe Card:
Cheesy Meat Potato Casserole for One
Equipment
- Casserole
- Cheese Grater
Ingredients
- ½ Carrot
- 1 Onion small
- 6 oz Ground Chicken and Pork
- 2 Potatoes
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Clean and wash onion, carrot, and potatoes.
- Grate vegetables, mix with mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.½ Carrot, 1 Onion, 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise, 2 Potatoes
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Spread half of the vegetable mixture in the dish.
- Layer minced meat over it, season with salt and pepper. Add the remaining vegetable mixture on top.6 oz Ground Chicken and Pork
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Sprinkle cheese over the casserole. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden.2 tablespoons Cheese
- Serve hot, ideally with a green salad.
Notes
- Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Adding a bit of garlic powder or onion powder can give an extra flavor boost.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a great option, experimenting with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or a mild Colby can add a new dimension to the dish.
- Potato Thickness: Slice your potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Thin slices will cook faster and get crispier, while thicker slices will be more tender.
- Herb Infusion: For an aromatic touch, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top of the casserole just before serving.
- Broiling for Crispiness: If you prefer a crispy top layer, place the casserole under the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serving Size: This recipe is designed for a single serving, but it can be easily scaled up. Remember to adjust the baking dish size accordingly.
- Resting Time: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.
- Using Leftover Meat: This recipe is great for using up leftover cooked meat. Just reduce the initial cooking time for the meat layer since it’s already cooked.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a more nutritious dish.
Nutrition
Your Turn
We’d love to hear how you enjoyed the Cheesy Beef With Potatoes Casserole! Your feedback is invaluable, so please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. If you’ve put your own twist on this dish or have tips that might be helpful for others, don’t hesitate to share your experience. Your insights not only help us but also inspire the cooking community to explore new variations. Let’s cook, share, and grow together!
10 min prep 30 baking.
