Easy Beef and Potato Casserole
A simple and hearty Easy Beef and Potato Casserole combining tender lean ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, savory herbs, and melty cheese, perfect for quick, comforting dinners on busy nights.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Mashed Potatoes
- 3 cups starchy potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or blend of choice)
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and boil the potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, parsley, and thyme. Stir in beef broth to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in a baking dish. Layer the creamy mashed potatoes on top, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the mashed potatoes. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking to set and deepen flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use warm mashed potatoes to keep the casserole creamy and prevent clumping.
- Mix ingredients gently to maintain a light texture.
- Opt for freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest before serving for easier slicing.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for meal prep or larger groups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef casserole, potato casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, baked casserole, ground beef recipe