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1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly once it’s assembled.
2. **Prepare the Meat and Vegetables:**
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spread the vegetable mixture evenly over the potatoes, then top it with the meat and cream mixture. Be sure to spread it evenly to cover all the potatoes and veggies.
5. **Add the Cheese:**
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt beautifully as it bakes and create a gooey, golden topping.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and watch as everyone at the table digs in for seconds!
– **Comforting and Hearty:** With its cheesy, creamy base, mixed veggies, and tender potatoes, this casserole is the perfect dish for a cozy meal at home.
– **Quick to Prepare:** This dish comes together relatively quickly, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
– **Customizable:** While this recipe calls for ground beef and mixed veggies, you can easily switch things up by using ground chicken, pork, or even a vegetarian option with plant-based protein. Feel free to adjust the vegetables to your liking, too!
– **Add Extra Flavor:** For a little extra flavor, you can sprinkle some paprika or Italian seasoning over the top before baking.
– **Make It Ahead:** This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it with foil and bake as usual.
– **Spicy Kick:** If you or your hubby love a little spice, throw in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when preparing the meat mixture.
### Conclusion