If you are searching for a hearty, comforting meal that brings together classic flavors in one satisfying dish, this Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort food. Creamy mashed potatoes layered with savory, well-seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese make this casserole an irresistible family favorite you’ll want to enjoy again and again. It’s simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a crowd, combining cozy textures and bold flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, whether for flavor, texture, or color. These basics come together to create a balanced dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.
- Potatoes (1.75 kg / 3.5 lb): The foundation of the casserole, perfectly smooth and creamy when mashed.
- Cooking/Kosher salt (1 tbsp): Essential for seasoning the boiling water and bringing out the potatoes’ natural flavor.
- Milk (â…” cup): Adds creaminess to the mashed potatoes without being too heavy.
- Butter (75 g / 5 tbsp): Gives richness and a velvety texture to the mash.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Introduces a slight tang and extra creaminess, making the potatoes smooth and flavorful.
- Ground beef (500 g / 1.1 lb): Provides hearty, savory depth to the casserole.
- Salt (1 tsp), Paprika (1 tsp), Black pepper (½ tsp): The perfect seasoning blend to make the beef flavorful and vibrant.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Adds a fragrant, savory note that elevates every bite.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden, bubbly crust full of rich, sharp flavor.
- Bacon (200 g / 6 oz, chopped): Crispy bits scattered on top add irresistible smoky crunch.
- Green onion (¼ cup, finely sliced): Fresh, subtle onion flavor and a burst of color as a finishing touch.
How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by placing peeled and chunked potatoes into a large pot, covering them with cold water about 4 inches above. Add a tablespoon of salt to season the water, then bring it to a boil on high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a rapid simmer and cook the potatoes until they are very soft, about 15 minutes. Drain them well, then return the potatoes to the pot and let them sit for a minute to help evaporate any excess moisture. This ensures your mashed potatoes won’t turn out watery and will stay fluffy and creamy.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
While the potatoes are boiling, heat a skillet over medium-high. Toss in the ground beef along with salt, paprika, black pepper, and minced garlic. Break the meat apart as it cooks, browning it thoroughly to develop deep flavors. This step creates a savory, spiced filling that balances the creamy potato perfectly. Once cooked through, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Transfer the drained potatoes back into the pot and add the milk, butter, and sour cream. Mash everything together with a potato masher until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Be careful to avoid over-processing with a blender or food processor, as that can make the potatoes gluey. The goal is a luscious, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole with Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish, spread half of the creamy mashed potatoes in an even layer. Next, add the cooked ground beef as the middle layer, pressing it evenly across the potatoes. Top this with the remaining mashed potatoes, smoothing to cover. Finally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon on top for a gorgeous, appetizing finish.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Loosely cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps warm the casserole and allows flavors to meld together. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. This cheese and bacon crust adds incredible texture and flavor to every bite.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the sliced green onions over the hot casserole to introduce a fresh, slightly sharp contrast. Let it cool for a few minutes so it sets a bit but remains warm and inviting. The cheesy crust keeps the casserole warm for about 20 minutes, perfect for leisurely digging in and savoring every mouthful.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions as a garnish gives each serving a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the casserole. If you like a little extra brightness, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can also elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and filling enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans. A serving of roasted vegetables can add a lovely texture and a healthy balance to the indulgent casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, try layering in a trifle-style glass dish to showcase the distinct layers of mashed potato, beef, and cheese for a visual feast that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures the flavors stay fresh and the casserole maintains its delicious texture.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, 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, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can uncover during the last few minutes to crisp up the bacon and cheese topping again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar offers sharpness and excellent melting qualities, feel free to swap it for mozzarella for creamier texture, Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or even a smoky gouda for something unique. Just make sure to use a good melting cheese to achieve that bubbly crust.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the ground beef and bacon, and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. To retain richness, add extra cheese or some caramelized onions, which boost both texture and flavor beautifully.
Can I prepare the components in advance and assemble later?
Definitely! You can boil and mash the potatoes, cook the ground beef, and fry the bacon up to a day ahead. Store each component separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you’re ready, which saves time on busy days.
How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?
Use warmed milk and melted butter for the mash to keep everything silky smooth. Adding sour cream is a wonderful way to enhance creaminess and add a subtle tang that brightens the flavor.
What’s the best way to avoid dry casserole?
Ensuring you mash your potatoes with enough milk and sour cream keeps the casserole moist. Also, loosely covering with foil while baking traps steam and prevents the dish from drying out as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
This Mashed Potato Casserole with Ground Beef, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe truly captures the essence of comfort food with its cozy layers and satisfying flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want a warm dish to share with friends, this recipe is bound to bring smiles all around. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s the perfect dish to make ahead, enjoy anytime, and savor every bite of!
Print
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: 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 melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. It’s perfect for a family dinner and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
Potatoes and 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
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
- 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 so it’s about 10 cm (4″) above the potatoes. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a rapid simmer and cook for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are very soft. Drain well and return the potatoes to the pot. Let 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 along with salt, paprika, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mash the potatoes: To the drained potatoes, add milk, butter, and sour cream. Mash well until completely smooth and creamy, being careful not to over-process as this could make the potatoes gluey.
- Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (fan). In a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish, spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom. Top with the cooked ground beef 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. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and turns golden brown.
- Finish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top, and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving warm. The dish will stay warm for about 20 minutes thanks to the cheese topping.
Notes
- Avoid using a food processor or blender to mash the potatoes to prevent a gluey texture.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.
- Ensure bacon is chopped small enough to cook evenly and crisp up nicely during baking.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef.
