This cheesy beef and mashed potato bake is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, creamy, and bubbling with melted cheese—exactly what I want when I need a warm, filling dish that hits the spot. With layers of seasoned ground beef, buttery mashed potatoes, and gooey cheese, it’s like a cozy hug in casserole form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and satisfying this dish is. It’s a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, and I can have it on the table in under an hour. The ground beef is seasoned just right and paired with rich, cheesy mashed potatoes for a family-friendly dinner that always gets seconds. It’s also budget-friendly, customizable, and makes amazing leftovers.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato paste or ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- Frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
- Mashed potatoes (fresh or leftover)
- Butter
- Milk or cream
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large skillet, I sauté chopped onion in a bit of oil until soft, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
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I add the ground beef and cook until browned, draining excess grease if needed.
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I stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and frozen veggies, letting everything cook together for a few minutes.
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I spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish.
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In a separate bowl, I mix mashed potatoes with butter and milk until creamy.
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I layer the mashed potatoes over the beef, spreading them out with a spatula.
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I top everything with shredded cheddar cheese.
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I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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I let it rest for a few minutes before serving and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a little color.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
I switch things up sometimes by using ground turkey or a mix of beef and sausage. For a spicy twist, I add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese. When I want a richer flavor, I mix cream cheese into the mashed potatoes. I’ve also used sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet, earthy spin that pairs surprisingly well with the beef.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave or bake the whole dish at 350°F until heated through. If freezing, I let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the whole casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it until I’m ready to bake. It’s perfect for make-ahead dinners or meal prepping.
What kind of potatoes work best for the mash?
I like using russet or Yukon gold potatoes—they mash up creamy and smooth. Leftover mashed potatoes work great too.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Definitely. I sometimes sauté diced carrots and peas or green beans with the beef, or steam them separately before adding.
How do I get a golden top on the mashed potatoes?
I spread the mashed potatoes evenly, then make some ridges with a fork before adding the cheese. The peaks brown nicely in the oven.
Is this similar to shepherd’s pie?
It’s close! But traditional shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, while this bake uses beef and more of a cheesy, casserole-style twist.
Conclusion
This cheesy beef and mashed potato bake is my go-to comfort food when I want something warm, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for both weeknights and weekend leftovers. Whether I’m using up mashed potatoes or starting fresh, this dish never disappoints.
Print
Cheesy Beef and Mashed Potato Bake: Comfort Food at Its Best
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cheesy beef and mashed potato bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole. With seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s a cozy, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or using up leftovers. Ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
For the beef layer:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp oil (for sautéing)
For the mashed potatoes:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (fresh or leftover)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (more as needed for texture)
- Salt, to taste
For topping:
- 1–1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion in oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, frozen veggies, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix mashed potatoes with butter and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Spread mashed potatoes over the beef layer, smoothing with a spatula.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a beef-sausage blend.
- Add diced jalapeños or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Mix cream cheese into the potatoes for added richness.
- Use sweet potatoes for a creative variation.
- To achieve golden peaks, use a fork to create texture in the mashed potatoes before baking.
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