Cozy up with this hearty and flavorful Good Meat and Potato Casserole—a comforting classic that brings together savory ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and a bubbling layer of cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is packed with wholesome ingredients like tender russet potatoes, sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of paprika for a touch of smoky warmth. Optional frozen mixed vegetables add a colorful, nutritious boost, while a garnish of fresh parsley brightens each serving. With only 25 minutes of prep and a golden finish in the oven, this one-dish dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Serve this satisfying meal hot and watch it become a household favorite!
Peel and dice the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a pot filled with salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
While the potatoes cook, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Stir in the salt, ground black pepper, and paprika. If desired, add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
When the potatoes are cooked, drain and place them in a large bowl. Add the butter and mash until smooth. Stir in the milk and mix until creamy. Season with a pinch of salt, if needed.
In a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
Spread the mashed potatoes over the ground beef layer, using a spatula to smooth them evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
Calories |
3796 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 203.0 g | 260% | |
| Saturated Fat | 107.8 g | 539% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 686 mg | 229% | |
| Sodium | 4700 mg | 204% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 326.4 g | 119% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.0 g | 118% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.2 g | ||
| Protein | 181.0 g | 362% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 2115 mg | 163% | |
| Iron | 24.5 mg | 136% | |
| Potassium | 8705 mg | 185% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.