If you are craving a hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dish, this Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. It combines creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese to create layers of irresistible flavor and texture. This casserole not only satisfies your hunger but also brings warmth to your table, perfect for family dinners or gatherings where you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, approachable, and each plays a vital role in building the rich and satisfying flavors of this casserole. From tender potatoes to smoky bacon and melting cheddar, every element is essential for the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- Potatoes (1.75 kg / 3.5 lb): Peeled and cut into chunks for smooth, creamy mashed potatoes.
- Cooking salt (1 tbsp): Added to boiling water to season potatoes evenly from within.
- Milk (â…” cup): Adds creaminess and moisture to the mashed potatoes without weighing them down.
- Butter (75 g / 5 tbsp): Gives richness and a velvety texture to the mash.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Brings a tangy creaminess that brightens the potatoes.
- Ground beef (500 g / 1.1 lb): The savory, hearty protein foundation that makes this casserole satisfying.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the flavors of the beef and the entire dish.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds mild smokiness and depth to the beef.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Provides warmth and a subtle kick.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses aromatic flavor into the beef.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully over the casserole for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bacon (200 g / 6 oz, chopped): Crispy morsels bring smoky crunch that complements the creamy potatoes.
- Green onion (¼ cup, finely sliced): Adds fresh, mild oniony brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Place the peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot, then cover them with water about 10 centimeters (4 inches) above the potatoes. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water, bring it to a boil on high heat, then lower to a rapid simmer. Cook the potatoes for roughly 15 minutes or until they are very soft when pierced with a fork. Drain them thoroughly, then return the potatoes to the pot and let them sit for a minute while gently shaking the pot; this helps evaporate any excess moisture for fluffier mash.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
While the potatoes cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with salt, paprika, black pepper, and minced garlic. Break the beef apart and cook until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. The aromatic garlic and spices lift the beef, making it delectably savory. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Add milk, butter, and sour cream to your drained potatoes. Mash everything together thoroughly until the texture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. Avoid the temptation to use a food processor or blender here; these tools can make the potatoes gluey. Instead, a sturdy potato masher works best to create that perfect fluffy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C for fan ovens. In a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish, spread half of the mashed potatoes in an even layer. Top this with the cooked ground beef, spreading it out evenly to cover the potatoes. Add the remaining mashed potatoes over the beef layer, smoothing the top. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake it in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. After this, remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling, golden, and invitingly crispy. This step creates a glorious cheesy crust with crunchy bacon that perfectly contrasts the creamy inside.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, scatter the finely sliced green onions over the top to add a pop of color and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes to cool slightly – it will stay warm for about 20 minutes thanks to that cheese topping, making it perfect for serving family-style or bringing to the table for everyone to enjoy.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate this beloved casserole even further. The green onions provide a bright contrast in flavor and a burst of color that keeps the dish feeling lively. You can also sprinkle a little extra paprika or some freshly chopped parsley for a hint of freshness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This mashed potato casserole works wonderfully alongside crisp salads or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The fresh veggie sides balance the richness of the dish, making for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier spread, roasted carrots or sautéed mushrooms are excellent complements.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives. Another fun idea is to accompany the casserole with crusty French bread or garlic bread to mop up every last flavorful bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole is a treat to enjoy the next day. Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor every ounce of this delicious dish without worry.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole if you want to prepare it well in advance. Wrap it securely in freezer-safe foil or plastic wrap, or store in an airtight container. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, single servings can be microwaved for a quick fix. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top before warming keeps the flavor fresh and inviting.
FAQs
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for this casserole?
While instant mashed potatoes can be a time saver, homemade mashed potatoes yield a creamier and more flavorful base that elevates this dish. The texture and richness of real potatoes are key to the casserole’s success.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the ground beef and bacon with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute to maintain the savory depth. Using vegetarian cheese ensures the casserole remains deliciously satisfying.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese beautifully balances the creamy potatoes and savory meat with its bold flavor. You can experiment with mild cheddar if you prefer a subtler cheese presence.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake later?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for busy days or entertaining guests.
How do I make sure the bacon stays crispy on top?
To keep bacon crispy, cook it until just before crispy, then sprinkle over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking uncovered. This timing crisps up the bacon without overcooking it.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely encourage you to try this Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, filled with layers of comforting flavors that everyone will adore. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to wow guests with something classic yet full of heart, this casserole has everything you need. Happy cooking!
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Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mashed Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes layered with seasoned ground beef, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture that will please any crowd.
Ingredients
Potatoes & Dairy
- 1.75 kg (3.5 lb) potatoes, peeled and cut into 3 cm (1″) chunks
- 1 tbsp cooking/kosher salt (for boiling potatoes)
- â…” cup milk
- 75 g (5 tbsp) butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Ground Beef Mixture
- 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Toppings & Garnish
- 200 g (6 oz) bacon, chopped
- ¼ cup green onion, finely sliced
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes: Place the peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot and cover with water so it is about 10 cm (4″) above them. Add 1 tbsp kosher salt, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a rapid simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are very soft. Drain well and return the potatoes to the pot. Let them sit for 1 minute, shaking occasionally to help evaporate excess water.
- Cook the ground beef: While the potatoes are boiling, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mash the potatoes: Add the milk, butter, and sour cream to the drained potatoes. Mash well until completely smooth and creamy. Avoid using a food processor or blender to keep the texture fluffy and prevent the potatoes from becoming gluey.
- Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan). In a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish, spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly. Layer the cooked ground beef over the potatoes in an even layer. Cover with the remaining mashed potatoes, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon evenly over the top.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbly and turns golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the finely sliced green onions over the top. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving warm. The casserole will remain warm for about 20 minutes thanks to the cheese layer.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the best creamy mash.
- Do not overwork the potatoes to avoid a gluey texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Bacon can be substituted with smoked ham or omitted for a milder flavor.
