Description
Have you ever looked at a pound of ground beef in your fridge and wondered if there was a way to turn it into a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate answer to that dinner-time puzzle. It combines juicy, seasoned beef and creamy, buttery mashed potatoes into one single dish that is perfect for even the busiest families.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Meat Layer:
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Potato Topping:
- 2.5 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot.
- Mash the Potatoes: Mash with butter, milk, and sour cream until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded cheese and set aside.
- Cook the Beef Base: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and onions. Drain excess fat.
- Add Flavor and Vegetables: Stir in garlic, thyme, and tomato paste. Sprinkle with flour, then stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and frozen peas and carrots. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top, sealing the edges.
- The Final Touch: Use a fork to create ridges on the potatoes and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5-10 minutes and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
For a crispy top, use a fork to rake across the potatoes to create ridges before baking. To save time, you can use leftover mashed potatoes. If the cheese browns too quickly, tent the dish with aluminum foil. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg