Cheesy Layered Meat and Mashed Potato Bake
A comforting, hearty casserole made with savory meat, creamy mashed potatoes, and a golden cheesy topping—perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Meat Layer:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato or marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
- Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
- Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
2. Make the Mashed Potatoes
- If making fresh: boil potatoes, then mash with butter and cream.
- Season with salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased baking dish:
- Add half of the mashed potatoes
- Add all the meat mixture
- Add the remaining mashed potatoes
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
5. Serve
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips
- Add veggies like carrots or peas for extra flavor.
- Swap mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper taste.
- It’s even better the next day (perfect for meal prep).