Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Beef and Mashed Potato Bake. A rich, flavorful ground beef layer is topped with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and finished off with a generous layer of gooey, melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is a deliciously satisfying blend of hearty beef, fluffy potatoes, and cheesy goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- For the Beef Layer:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk (or more for desired creaminess)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Layer:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Once cooked, spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Mashed Potatoes:
- While the beef is simmering, boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes with the butter, and slowly add the milk until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef layer in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan over the top of the potatoes.
- Bake and Serve:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with golden spots forming on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the comforting combination of cheesy mashed potatoes and savory beef!