Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes Recipe: Hearty, Cheesy, and One-Dish Easy

Mashed potatoes and ground beef are a match made in comfort food heaven. When layered together in a baked casserole or skillet meal, they create a satisfying dish that’s as filling as it is flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping a make-ahead freezer meal, this combo is a surefire hit.

This guide to mashed potatoes and ground beef recipes shows you how to turn two staples into a variety of hearty, delicious meals. Think shepherd’s pie, cheesy bakes, and skillet suppers—all made simple.

How to Make Ground Beef Mashed Potato Casserole

This easy casserole is a family favorite with layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and melty cheese baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup beef broth

• 1 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Paprika

• Chopped parsley

• Crumbled bacon or green onions

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Preparing Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the beef mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes evenly over the top and spread smooth. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Bake and Finish
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings

Serves 4–6 as a main dish.

Presentation & Decoration

Garnish Ideas:

• Sprinkle paprika for color

• Add crispy bacon bits or green onions

• Top with a dollop of sour cream

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with steamed green beans or peas

• Add a side salad for a complete meal

Best Time to Eat

• Weeknight Dinner: Quick, satisfying, and kid-friendly

• Meal Prep: Freezes well and reheats beautifully

• Comfort Food Night: A cozy option for cold evenings

Portion Guide

• Individual: 1 generous scoop (about 1½ cups) per person

• Group: Double the recipe and use a 9×13 baking dish for 8–10 servings

Storage & Shelf Life

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Freezing: Freeze cooled casserole in portions for up to 1 month

• Reheating: Microwave or reheat in the oven until hot throughout

Allergy Guide

• Gluten-Free: Use certified GF mashed potatoes and ketchup

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, cheese, and milk in mashed potatoes

• Nut-Free: Recipe is naturally nut-free

More Recipes Using Mashed Potatoes

• Shepherd’s Pie: Add peas and carrots to beef, top with mashed potatoes

• Mashed Potato Cakes: Mix leftover mashed potatoes with egg and flour, fry until golden

• Mashed Potato Bowls: Layer mashed potatoes with beef, gravy, corn, and cheese

Tag your creations and show us how you’ve mashed up this classic combo into your own cozy masterpiece—we might feature your recipe in our next comfort food roundup!