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.
