Layered Meat and Mashed Potato Casserole
This Layered Meat and Mashed Potato Casserole is the perfect comfort dish for family dinners and intimate evenings since it is flavorful, warm, and rich. Every mouthful offers the ideal harmony of texture and flavor, with delicious, seasoned ground beef tucked under a rich layer of buttery mashed potatoes. A timeless meal that makes everyone at the table grin, it’s inexpensive, simple to prepare, and very fulfilling. This layered casserole is always in style, whether it’s served as a festive side dish or as a nightly mainstay.
Ingredients:
For the Potato Mashed:
Four cups of potatoes (about four large potatoes, diced and skinned)
Half a cup of milk (or cream for a deeper taste)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
To taste, add salt and pepper.
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.