Savor the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Potato Topped Casserole, a deliciously satisfying blend of creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground beef or turkey, and a medley of tender vegetables topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this casserole features a golden, cheesy crust atop layers of seasoned meat and aromatic veggies, including carrots, celery, and peas, all bound together with a rich tomato and broth base. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe combines simple ingredients with classic flavors for a dish thatβs as wholesome as it is flavorful. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a crowd-pleasing meal that's easy to make and incredibly comforting. Keywords: potato topped casserole, easy comfort food, mashed potatoes, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole recipe.
Peel and dice the potatoes into large chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
While the potatoes cook, preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
Drain the potatoes and transfer them back to the pot. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 0.5 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon salt, and 0.5 teaspoons black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft.
Add 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic (2 cloves) and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Pour in 1 cup of beef or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the frozen peas and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 0.5 teaspoons black pepper.
Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Top the mixture with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out to cover the filling completely. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls or lines, if desired.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden and the filling is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish and serve hot.
Calories |
703 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.9 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.1 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 104 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 1040 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.4 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.8 g | ||
| Protein | 27.7 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 246 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 1989 mg | 42% | |
*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.