Cheesy Mashed Potato and Beef Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal, look no further than this Cheesy Mashed Potato and Beef Casserole! Combining layers of savory ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping, this dish is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, a potluck dish, or a meal-prep favorite, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and ease of preparation.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make this delicious casserole, including ingredient breakdowns, step-by-step instructions, variations, pro tips, and proper storage methods.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a great recipe for beginners and busy cooks.
✅ Rich and Flavorful – The combination of seasoned beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese makes every bite deliciously comforting.
✅ Customizable – You can swap ingredients, add veggies, or adjust seasonings to fit your taste.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – This casserole can be prepped ahead of time and stored for later use.
Ingredients for Cheesy Mashed Potato and Beef Casserole
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create an irresistible, layered dish.
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef – You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds depth and aroma to the beef mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce – Adds a rich, tangy taste.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Helps thicken the sauce and intensify the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Provides a deep umami taste.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds mild spice and warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing the beef and onion.
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed – Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best.
- 1/4 cup butter – Adds a rich, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup milk or cream – Helps achieve smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Balances the flavor.
For the Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese – Cheddar gives a sharp flavor, while mozzarella adds extra creaminess.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds a nutty, savory finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and cut the potatoes into cubes. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the water, then mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Add the cooked beef mixture in an even layer on top of the mashed potatoes.
- Cover the beef layer with the remaining mashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese and Parmesan (if using).
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- For a crispy cheese topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch closely to prevent burning).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with:
🍽️ A side salad – A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
🍞 Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up every last bite.
🥦 Steamed or roasted vegetables – Try serving it with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or glazed carrots.
Variations and Customization Ideas
1. Add More Vegetables 🥕
- Mix in peas, carrots, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Substitute the mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
2. Switch Up the Meat 🍖
- Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with lentils or meatless crumbles.
3. Spicy Twist 🌶️
- Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
4. Extra Crispy Topping 🧀
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with butter on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigeration:
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- For long-term storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
- To freeze individual portions, slice the casserole and store in separate freezer bags.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to keep the potatoes creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Mashed Potato and Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite. It’s an easy make-ahead meal, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or serving guests.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! If you made any custom changes, feel free to share your version—I’d love to hear about it! 😊