I love cooking. I hate cleaning. There, I said it. The worst part of any delicious meal is staring at that mountain of dirty pots and pans afterward.
That’s why I’m obsessed with my Cheesy Mashed Potato & Ground Beef Casserole. It delivers all the comfort of a home-cooked meal with a fraction of the cleanup. Your future self, relaxing after dinner, will thank you.
This dish is the ultimate weeknight hero. It’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together with minimal fuss. We’re talking creamy, cheesy potatoes layered with savory, perfectly seasoned beef. If you’re looking for another family-friendly dinner that’s just as easy to make, you should try our garlic butter ground beef and potato bake.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick lowdown on what you’re about to make. It’s as straightforward as it gets.
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I live for recipes that use a single cooking vessel. It’s my secret weapon against kitchen chaos.
This entire casserole is assembled and baked in one dish. From browning the beef to the final bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping, it all happens right there. The cozy, savory aroma that fills your kitchen is just a bonus.
Cheesy Mashed Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Mashed Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe!
Nutrition Information
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your ingredients is the hardest part, and it’s not hard at all. You likely have most of this in your pantry right now.
The beauty lies in the simple, classic combination. We’re building layers of flavor and texture that are just unbeatable.
The Full Ingredient List
Here’s your shopping list. I promise it’s a short one.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
PREPARATION
Follow these steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table with almost no cleanup. It’s a beautiful thing.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your trusty large, oven-safe skillet or a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart as it browns. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. This builds a deep, savory base for the entire dish.
- Add the frozen corn, tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- If you used a skillet, you can assemble right in it. Otherwise, transfer the beef mixture to your casserole dish. Spread it into an even layer.
- Carefully spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef layer. Use the back of your spoon to spread them evenly, sealing the edges.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes. This creates that iconic, gooey, golden crust we all crave.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. For extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
A few simple tricks can make this dish even better and cleaner to make.
First, use the right size pot or pan. A 10-12 inch oven-safe skillet or a standard 9×13 baking dish is essential.
Don’t stir the casserole once it’s in the oven. Let the layers set and the cheese form that perfect, crispy top.
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows everything to set, making serving much cleaner and easier.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This casserole is fantastic for meal prep. The flavors get even better the next day.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For the best texture, reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F until warm throughout.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, comforting meal. Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving.
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 25g
If you’re looking for more healthy and delicious ground meat recipes, our spinach turkey meatballs are a fantastic option that the whole family will love.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
I get a few common questions about this recipe. Let’s clear them up.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute work wonderfully here. The cooking method remains the same.
What can I use instead of mashed potatoes?
If you’re out of mashed potatoes, thinly sliced russet potatoes can be layered on top. Just extend the baking time until they are tender.
My casserole is a bit watery. What happened?
This usually means the beef mixture wasn’t simmered long enough. Make sure to let it cook down and thicken before adding the potato layer.
And there you have it. A dinner that feels like a warm hug, without the sink full of dishes. It’s the kind of meal that makes busy weeknights feel manageable and special.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy and free time to your kitchen as it has to mine. Now go enjoy that cheesy, beefy goodness!
Did you make this cozy one-pan wonder? I’d love to hear about it! Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below! And for a sweet treat after dinner, don’t forget to check out our frozen peanut butter yogurt bites.
