Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

Here comes a mouthwatering, cozy favorite perfect for those nights when you need something hearty and easy: Mashed Potato Casserole! This dish wraps up everything you love about comfort food—creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, rich and savory ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and bits of crispy bacon—all baked together into a bubbly, golden-topped casserole. The flavors will transport you straight to comfort-food heaven. Despite its impressive taste and layers, this casserole is refreshingly simple to put together and is a total crowd-pleaser, making it a must for busy weeknights or when you’re feeding a hungry crew.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather up these tasty staples to make your Mashed Potato Casserole a dinner to remember:

• Potatoes: The star of the show! Use starchy potatoes for the fluffiest mash.
• Salt (for boiling): Essential for well-seasoned potatoes.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps make the mash silky-smooth.
• Butter: For that unmistakable, rich flavor every great mash deserves.
• Sour Cream: Adds a hint of tang and even more velvety texture.
• Ground Beef: Brings hearty substance and soaks up all the flavors of your seasonings.
• Salt, Paprika, Black Pepper: The trio that makes the beef layer pop with warmth and savoriness.
• Garlic: Minced fresh for that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma—absolutely skip the powdered stuff here.
• Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Because cheesy topping equals happy eaters.
• Bacon (chopped): For irresistible crunch and smoky flavor—go for thick-cut if you love big, crispy bites.
• Green Onion (finely sliced): Sprinkled on top for freshness and a little zing.

Tip: Let the potatoes sit for a minute after draining—this helps any excess moisture evaporate, making your mash extra fluffy!

Variations

Feel like a switch-up? There are so many ways to make this casserole your own:

• Swap Ground Beef: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter touch, or use mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian twist.
• Mix Up the Cheese: Add shredded mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra layer of flavor (and gooeyness).
• Herb it Up: Fold in fresh chives, parsley, or even a pinch of thyme to the potato layer for added brightness.
• Add Veggies: Throw a layer of steamed peas, carrots, or corn in with the beef to sneak in some vegetables.

How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Peel and chop your potatoes, then cover them with water and add salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are super soft and ready for mashing—about 15 minutes. Drain well and let them sit in the pot for a minute to help them dry out (the secret to fluffy mash!).

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Filling

While your potatoes are cooking, get your skillet nice and hot. Toss in the ground beef, salt, paprika, black pepper, and garlic. Cook, breaking the beef up as it sizzles, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the heat—don’t worry if it smells irresistible already!

Step 3: Mash Those Potatoes

Add milk, butter, and sour cream to your hot potatoes. Mash by hand until the mixture is decadently smooth and creamy. Avoid blenders or food processors—those can turn your mash gluey rather than fluffy.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble

Preheat your oven. In a baking dish, spread half the mashed potatoes on the bottom for a soft, tasty base. Next, spoon the savory ground beef in an even layer. Cover with the rest of your mashed potatoes, then rain down the shredded cheddar and sprinkle with bacon.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake until the cheese starts to melt and everything is warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes so the top can turn irresistible and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

A generous scatter of green onion over the bubbling hot casserole adds freshness and a nice crunch. Serve while warm—the cheese helps it hold heat, making it perfect for serving at the table!

How to Serve

This casserole is a meal on its own, but you can pair it for even more fun:

• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette brings a perfect balance to the richness.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, peas, or green beans add welcome color and crunch.
• Bread on the Side: Serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to mop up every delicious bite.

Top with extra green onions or even a little hot sauce if you like a spicy kick!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Spoon any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This casserole keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better!

Freezing

Freeze portions in a tightly sealed container or wrap the casserole dish well in foil and plastic wrap. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop portions into the oven at 180°C/350°F until hot and the cheese is bubbly again, or use the microwave for individual servings. Add a splash of milk if it looks a bit dry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There are few things more comforting than digging into a generous helping of Mashed Potato Casserole—rich, creamy, and cheesy with crispy bacon and savory beef tucked inside. With easy steps and flexible options, this casserole brings warmth and joy to any table, no matter how busy life gets. Give it a try, let the flavors win you over, and don’t forget to make enough for seconds!

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