Layered Meat and Mashed Potato Casserole

Ingredients

For the Potato Mashed:

1. Four cups of potatoes (about four large potatoes, diced and skinned)
2. Half a cup of milk (or cream for a deeper taste)
3. 1/4 cup unsalted butter
4. To taste, add salt and pepper.
5. One cup of shredded cheddar cheese, if desired, to combine with potatoes

Regarding the Layer of Meat:

• One pound of ground beef (or sausage, turkey, or chicken)
• One little onion, diced finely
• Two minced garlic cloves
• One cup of frozen mixed veggies, such as maize, carrots, and peas
• One can of cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz) or its homemade substitute
• One teaspoon of optional Worcestershire sauce
• To taste, add salt and pepper.

Regarding Topping:

• One cup of shredded cheddar cheese, or any other cheese of your choosing
• 1/4 cup of optional bread crumbs for added crunch
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

Get the potatoes mashed:

• Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water in a large pot for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Make sure to drain thoroughly.
• Add the drained potatoes, butter, milk, salt, and pepper to a large mixing bowl. Mash until creamy and smooth. If using, stir in the shredded cheese. Put aside.

Prepare the Layer of Meat:

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion for three to four minutes, or until they are tender and fragrant.
• Put the chosen meat, such as ground beef, in the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. If needed, drain extra fat.
• Add Worcestershire sauce, cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, salt, and pepper. Cook for a further three to four minutes, or until well heated.

Put the casserole together:

• Set the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F).
• Evenly cover the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with the meat mixture after greasing it.
• Using a spatula, smooth out the meat so that it is entirely covered by the layer of creamy mashed potatoes.
• Over the mashed potatoes, scatter the shredded cheese. For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, if using.

Bake:

• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in a preheated oven, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Serve:

• Before serving, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley.

Advice

• Make Ahead: The mashed potatoes and beef mixture can be made a day ahead of time. Before baking, simply put the casserole together.
• Vegetable Variations: You are welcome to use fresh vegetables or alter the mixed vegetables to your preference.
• Cheese Options: To add flavor, try different cheeses such Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.

On any day, this Layered Mashed Potato and Meat Casserole will provide you with a filling and warming supper. It’s also great for leftovers.