Farmer’s-Style Casserole

Hearty, comforting, and full of rustic flavour, Farmer’s-Style Casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Inspired by simple country cooking, this dish layers tender potatoes, savoury meat, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all baked together until bubbling and golden. It’s filling, affordable, and perfect for feeding a family or making ahead for busy weeks.

This casserole is incredibly versatile—you can adapt it using what you have on hand, making it a reliable go-to recipe for any season. Served straight from the oven, it’s pure comfort food with old-fashioned charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and filling one-dish meal
Simple, everyday ingredients
Easy to prepare and bake
Perfect for make-ahead dinners
Family-friendly comfort food

Ingredients (Serves 6)

500 g minced beef or pork
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup frozen peas or green beans
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme or mixed herbs

Creamy Sauce

1 can (400 g) condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Topping

½ cup grated cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Lightly grease a large casserole dish.

2. Cook the Meat

Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add minced meat and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix condensed soup, milk, and grated cheese until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the dish. Top with half the meat mixture, carrots, and peas. Pour over half of the sauce. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, finishing with sauce on top.

5. Add the Topping

Sprinkle with extra grated cheese and breadcrumbs if using.

6. Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and the top is golden.

7. Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed green vegetables
Fresh crusty bread
Simple garden salad
Pickled vegetables for contrast

Tips for the Best Farmer’s Casserole

Slice potatoes thinly so they cook evenly
Parboil potatoes for faster baking if needed
Use any vegetables you have on hand
Let it rest before serving for clean slices

Variations

Chicken version: Use cooked diced chicken instead of mince
Vegetarian: Swap meat for lentils or mushrooms
Extra flavour: Add paprika or Worcestershire sauce
Creamier: Stir sour cream into the sauce

Storage and Freezing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

Farmer’s-Style Casserole is classic comfort food at its finest—simple, nourishing, and satisfying. Whether served for a family dinner or prepared ahead for busy days, it’s a dependable recipe that delivers warmth and flavour every time.