If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm and comforting hug on a plate, the Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe is your new best friend. This hearty casserole layers creamy mashed potatoes with savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe brings simple, wholesome ingredients together in a way that feels both indulgent and homey. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make this unforgettable casserole!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in the final dish. The potatoes create that silky base, the ground beef and bacon add layers of rich, meaty flavor, and the cheddar imparts a gooey, golden finish. Together, they all combine to bring this Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe to life.
- Potatoes (1.75 kg / 3.5 lb): The foundation of creamy comfort; choose starchy potatoes like Russets for the fluffiest mash.
- Salt (1 tbsp for boiling + 1 tsp for beef): Enhances natural flavors and seasonings throughout the dish.
- Milk (â…” cup): Adds moisture and creaminess to the mashed potatoes without weighing them down.
- Butter (75 g / 5 tbsp): Gives rich, silky texture and adds a luscious mouthfeel.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Brings subtle tang and extra creaminess to the mash.
- Ground beef (500 g / 1.1 lb): Provides hearty protein with a savory punch.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds warmth and a delicate smoky flavor to the beef.
- Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds a gentle sharpness to round out the spices.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the beef with an aromatic, savory lift.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into gooey, golden perfection topping the casserole.
- Bacon (200 g / 6 oz, chopped): Crisp and smoky, it’s the ultimate flavor booster.
- Green onion (¼ cup, finely sliced): Adds fresh, mild onion crunch as a bright finishing touch.
How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Begin by peeling and cutting your potatoes into roughly 3 cm chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water, adding 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn down to a rapid simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork. Drain thoroughly, then return them to the pot and let them sit for a minute or so. Give the pot a gentle shake occasionally to help evaporate excess water, ensuring your mash stays fluffy.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
While your potatoes are boiling, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef along with the salt, paprika, black pepper, and minced garlic. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Set this savory filling aside after cooking to keep the flavors vibrant and juicy.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
To your drained potatoes, add the milk, butter, and sour cream. Mash everything together by hand, aiming for a smooth, creamy texture without overprocessing—which could make your potatoes gluey. This step is where the magic happens; the velvety mash is the very heart of this casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 400°F). In a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish, spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly. Next, layer the cooked ground beef on top, ensuring an even spread. Cover the beef with the remaining mashed potatoes. Finally, scatter shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon all over the top—this is what creates that irresistible golden crust.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover your baking dish loosely with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This last phase crisps up the bacon and makes the cheese beautifully melty, giving the casserole its signature look and flavor.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and mild zest. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to cool slightly—it will stay warm thanks to the cheese layer, so everyone can dig in together without rushing.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions adds a splash of color and a gentle bite that contrasts wonderfully with the rich casserole. For an extra special touch, a dollop of sour cream or a few fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the presentation and flavor even further.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite filling on its own but pairs delightfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The fresh, light sides cut through the richness for a perfectly balanced meal. Roasted carrots or a tangy coleslaw also provide a fresh counterpoint that brightens your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you feel like jazzing things up, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. You can also layer it into a trifle dish for a fun, casual dinner party presentation that lets guests scoop out their perfect portions. Add a drizzle of BBQ sauce or hot sauce on the side for those who like a little kick!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a great option for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container or cover a baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and warm at 175°C (350°F) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions but the oven will help keep that crispy top intact for maximum enjoyment.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for its meltability and sharp flavor, you can try mozzarella for gooey stretchiness or Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well to maintain the casserole’s creamy, cheesy top.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef and bacon with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The mashed potatoes and cheese still provide hearty comfort, making it a versatile dish that can suit many diets.
What potatoes work best for the mash?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds are best because they become fluffy when cooked and mashed. Waxy potatoes tend to be denser and might not create the smooth, creamy texture desired for the casserole.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole completely and refrigerate it overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge, and it will come out just as delicious.
How can I make the bacon extra crispy on top?
Cook the bacon separately in a skillet until fully crisp before adding it to the casserole. This prevents the bacon from becoming soggy during baking and provides that wonderful crunch everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
This Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe truly represents comfort food at its finest. Rich, cheesy, and hearty, it’s the kind of dish that turns ordinary nights into special moments. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll find it is not only simple to make but is destined to become one of your family’s cherished favorites.
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Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Mashed Potato Casserole featuring creamy mashed potatoes layered with seasoned ground beef, topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines classic flavors and textures in a simple baked dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Mash
- 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
Ground Beef Layer
- 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Toppings
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 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 about 10 cm (4 inches) above the potatoes. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a rapid simmer and cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are very soft. Drain thoroughly and return the potatoes to the pot. Let them sit for 1 minute, shaking occasionally to evaporate excess water.
- Cook the ground beef: While the potatoes boil, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with salt, paprika, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mash the potatoes: To the drained potatoes, add the milk, butter, and sour cream. Mash thoroughly until completely smooth and creamy. Avoid using a food processor or blender to 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 over the base. Layer the cooked ground beef evenly on top, then cover with the remaining mashed potatoes. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon over the top.
- Bake the casserole: Loosely cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the 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
- For creamier mashed potatoes, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
- Do not overwork the potatoes during mashing to avoid a gummy texture.
- Ensure the bacon is chopped finely for an even topping distribution.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
