Cheesy Mashed Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

I love cooking, but I absolutely loathe doing dishes. The towering pile of pots, pans, and utensils after a big meal is my personal nightmare. It’s enough to make me order takeout, even when I’m craving a real, home-cooked dinner.

That’s why I’m obsessed with my Cheesy Mashed Potato & Ground Beef Casserole. It delivers all the comfort of a classic, hearty meal without the dreaded cleanup. What’s better than a home-cooked meal? A home-cooked meal with only one pan to wash!

This recipe is my ultimate weeknight savior. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy, cheesy potatoes and savory, perfectly seasoned beef, all baked to golden perfection. I promise, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe Overview

Here’s the quick lowdown on this lifesaving dish. It’s everything you need to know at a glance before we dive into the delicious details.

• Cuisine: American Comfort Food
• Category: Main Course
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6

The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal

I remember the first time I made a true one-pan meal; it felt like I had discovered a secret superpower. The joy of a single pan is real, my friends.

You brown the beef, layer the ingredients, and bake it all in the same trusty oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. This method isn’t just about fewer dishes—it’s about maximizing flavor. All those delicious beef juices and seasonings stay right in the pan, making every single bite incredible.

All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a stress-free kitchen. I love how simple and straightforward this list is.

You’ll notice there’s nothing overly fancy here. We’re using pantry staples and a few fresh items to create something truly spectacular. The beauty is in the simple combination.

The Full Ingredient List

Here is everything you’ll need to make this cozy masterpiece. I’ve included my favorite brand notes, but feel free to use what you love!

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)

I’ve perfected this method through many, many happy (and clean) dinners. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a flawless dish with minimal cleanup.

Recipe

Cheesy Mashed Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Make Cheesy Mashed Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps. Prep, cook, and enjoy—perfect for cozy evenings.

Author: Emily Morgan

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hour

Serves: - 4 + bites

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The Full Ingredient List

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

My “Less Mess” Cooking Method (Step-by-Step)

1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your large, oven-safe skillet or a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This will be your one and only pan for the entire recipe!

2

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. This builds a fantastic flavor base.

3

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This is where all the savory magic starts. Try not to stir too much—let it get a little crispy for the best texture.

4

Drain any excess grease from the beef. Then, stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 3-4 minutes so the flavors can meld together beautifully.

5

If you used a skillet, simply turn off the heat. If you used a casserole dish, transfer the beef mixture to it now. Smooth the beef layer into an even base for our potatoes.

6

In a separate bowl (okay, one extra bowl—I promise it’s worth it!), gently mix your prepared mashed potatoes with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. This creates an extra creamy and cheesy potato topping.

7

Carefully spoon the cheesy mashed potatoes over the beef layer. Use the back of your spoon to spread them evenly, sealing the edges.

8

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes. This is what gives you that gorgeous, bubbly, golden-brown crust.

9

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through and bubbling around the edges. For an even browner top, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely!

10

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set perfectly. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Mashed Potato & Ground Beef Casserole Recipe!

Nutrition Information

Calories: ~450

Protein: 28g

Carbohydrates: 25g

Fat: 25g

Fiber: 3g

Did You Make This?

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your large, oven-safe skillet or a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This will be your one and only pan for the entire recipe!
2. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. This builds a fantastic flavor base.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This is where all the savory magic starts. Try not to stir too much—let it get a little crispy for the best texture.
4. Drain any excess grease from the beef. Then, stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 3-4 minutes so the flavors can meld together beautifully.
5. If you used a skillet, simply turn off the heat. If you used a casserole dish, transfer the beef mixture to it now. Smooth the beef layer into an even base for our potatoes.
6. In a separate bowl (okay, one extra bowl—I promise it’s worth it!), gently mix your prepared mashed potatoes with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. This creates an extra creamy and cheesy potato topping.
7. Carefully spoon the cheesy mashed potatoes over the beef layer. Use the back of your spoon to spread them evenly, sealing the edges.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes. This is what gives you that gorgeous, bubbly, golden-brown crust.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through and bubbling around the edges. For an even browner top, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely!
10. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set perfectly. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make one-pot cooking even easier. These small steps make a huge difference in the final result.

First, use the right size pot. A 10-12 inch oven-safe skillet or a standard 9×13 baking dish is ideal. Too small, and it will bubble over; too large, and the layers will be too thin.

Don’t stir the beef mixture too much after adding the sauces. Let it simmer and thicken up. This concentrates the flavor and gives you a much richer final product.

Storing & Reheating (Easy!)

This casserole is almost as good the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. I love having leftovers ready to go for a fast lunch.

Let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot.

Nutrition Notes

While this is a comforting indulgence, it’s helpful to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s a basic breakdown per serving.

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g

Your One-Pot Questions, Answered

I get a lot of questions about this recipe, so I’ve compiled the most common ones here for you.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Of course! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute would work wonderfully here. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste.

My mashed potatoes are a bit runny. Will that work?

For the best results, you want your mashed potatoes to be fairly stiff. If they’re too runny, the topping might sink into the beef layer. If yours are thin, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of instant potato flakes to help thicken them up.

And there you have it! A delicious, satisfying, and incredibly easy dinner that respects your time and your hatred for dish duty. This recipe has saved my sanity on more busy weeknights than I can count.

It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with an amazing aroma and leaves everyone at the table happy. Plus, that single pan waiting in the sink is a beautiful sight.

Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!