This Cheesy Mashed Potato and Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and gooey melted cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: A complete meal in one dish, with protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy topping and mashed potatoes make it a hit with kids.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap the beef for turkey, or change up the cheese.
- Make-Ahead: Prep it in advance and bake when ready for a stress-free dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your choice of mixed vegetables)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Mashed Potato Layer:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Layer
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas and carrots, stir to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Layer the mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using) evenly over the mashed potatoes.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If you prefer a crispy cheese topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Casserole
- Use Freshly Mashed Potatoes: Freshly made potatoes create the creamiest layer. Avoid using instant mashed potatoes if possible.
- Customize the Veggies: Swap peas and carrots for corn, green beans, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Add Extra Flavor: Mix a little sour cream or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes for added richness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
Conclusion
This Cheesy Mashed Potato and Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground beef, and melty cheese. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed winner!