Cheesy Mashed Potato & Meat Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food

 Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mashed Potato & Meat Casserole

When comfort food calls, this casserole answers in the most delicious way possible. Creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground beef, and melted cheese are layered together to create a hearty, homestyle dish that’s perfect for dinner, holidays, or meal prepping. It’s simple to make, family-friendly, and even better as leftovers!

 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this satisfying layered casserole:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed

• ½ cup milk

• 3 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup tomato sauce or marinara

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or paprika (optional)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• 2 tbsp olive oil

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 How to Make It

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

Boil the potatoes until fork tender (10–12 minutes). Drain, then mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the onion and garlic until soft. Add the ground beef, breaking it up and cooking until browned. Stir in tomato sauce and seasoning; simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half the mashed potatoes, followed by half the meat sauce, and a layer of cheese. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with a generous cheese topping.

Step 4: Bake & Serve

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is golden. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.

 Tips & Variations

• Add veggies: Stir in peas, carrots, or corn with the beef layer for a full meal in one dish.

• Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.

• Use leftovers: Great way to repurpose leftover mashed potatoes or taco meat.

• Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

 Serving Ideas

• Pair with a simple green salad or steamed veggies.

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.

• Drizzle with gravy for a shepherd’s pie twist.

 Why This Recipe Works

• Layered for flavor: Every bite has creamy potato, savory beef, and melty cheese.

• Budget-friendly: Made with affordable, pantry-staple ingredients.

• Versatile: Easily adaptable to your taste or dietary needs.

• Make-ahead option: Perfect for prepping in advance or freezing for later.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Mashed Potato & Meat Casserole is everything comfort food should be — warm, filling, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need something cozy for dinner, this dish hits the spot every time.

Cheesy Mashed Potato & Meat Casserole

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• Author: kecha

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Description

This Cheesy Mashed Potato & Meat Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish—rich, savory, and satisfyingly creamy. A flavorful ground beef layer is topped with buttery mashed potatoes, plenty of melted cheese, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a perfect all-in-one dinner and a family favorite that’s both hearty and budget-friendly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meat Layer:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1/2 cup beef broth or water

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

• 4 cups mashed potatoes (from about 6 medium potatoes)

• 1/4 cup milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

• 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Lightly grease a 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish.

2. Prepare the Meat Layer:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
   Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
   Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
   Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
   If not using leftover mashed potatoes, boil peeled and chopped potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy.
   Spoon mashed potatoes over the meat mixture and spread evenly with a spatula.

4. Add Cheese and Bake:
   Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
   Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a lightly golden top.

5. Garnish and Serve:
   Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• Make-ahead: You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready to serve.

• Meat options: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version.

• Vegetable add-ins: You can mix in peas, corn, or diced carrots into the meat layer for extra nutrition.

• Cheese variations: Use Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

• Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45–50 minutes or until hot throughout.