Prepare to be transported to comfort food heaven with the ultimate one-dish wonder that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! This Mashed Potato Beef Casserole isn't just a meal—it's a hearty, soul-warming experience that combines the creamy richness of perfectly mashed potatoes with savory, perfectly seasoned ground beef. Imagine a dish so delicious it transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at your dinner table asking for the recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- While potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Cook until the beef is completely browned and the onions are translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef mixture and stir in beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce liquid and concentrate flavors. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the mashed potatoes over the beef, spreading them carefully to create an even surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Tips
- For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use warm milk and butter when mashing, and avoid overworking the potatoes to prevent them from becoming gluey.
- Choose ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for the best flavor and moisture. Drain excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to help it set and make serving easier. This also helps the flavors meld together.
- For a crispy top, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 544kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 80mg
