Meat And Taters Casserole

So I had planned to write out a list of good, easy meals today, but then I was over at mom's and she started making this stove-top casserole thing... and it's just so good... and it is really easy to make. 

It's kind of like hamburger helper, but with potatoes instead of pasta. And it tastes way better. (duh)

it's a great one pot meal. Meat? Check. Potatoes? Check. Veggies? Check.  Gabriel-the-corn-bread-nut likes it served with (guess what?) cornbread. Personally, I like salad with it*. Yeah, so much for one pot meal.  

This casserole has become one of my "Oh no, it's supper time and I have no idea what to make" fallback meals because it's really easy to throw together in a skillet.

Meat And Taters Casserole

2 TBSP oil
1 lb ground beef, pork, or sausage
3/4 cup chopped onions
1 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 tsp thyme
3 cups water
salt and pepper to taste
6 large, finely sliced potatoes

In a skillet, heat oil and saute meat and onions. Put them in a large skillet, and add carrots, celery, thyme, and water. Let miture simmer for 10 minutes over medium heat, then season with salt and pepper. 

Add potatoes an cook for 15 mnutes or until potatoes are done. 

There are endless variations on this. You could replace some of the water with either milk or beef stock. Also, though I've never tried it, I'm sure it could be put into a covered casserole dish and baked, or put in the crock-pot rather than simmered. 

*Now that I've thought about it I've decided to add hot french bread and butter to my salad and casserole meal.

Enjoy!

Linked with: Tasty Tuesday, Tip Junkie, Fat Tuesday, Hearth and Soul, Traditional Tuesdays, WFMW, Real Food Wednesday, gnowfglins, Full Plate Thursday, Thrifty Thursday