If you love classic comfort food that’s simple to make and packed with flavor, cheesy ground beef mashed potatoes is the dish for you. This recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes layered with savory ground beef cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on chilly evenings or whenever you want a satisfying, hearty dinner. The combination of fluffy potatoes, melted cheese, and seasoned beef makes this a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
This dish is versatile and forgiving, allowing you to customize it with your favorite cheeses or add vegetables for extra nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, cheesy ground beef mashed potatoes offer a delicious, filling option that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Let’s dive into the full recipe, tips, and FAQs to help you master this classic comfort food.
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes
- Easy to make: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Comforting and filling: Creamy potatoes and savory beef satisfy hunger.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love this hearty dish.
- Customizable: Add veggies or swap cheeses to suit your taste.
- Great for leftovers: Reheats well for next-day meals.
Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 4 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ground Beef Mixture
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup tomato paste (optional for richness)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Place peeled and diced potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain potatoes well and return to the pot.
- Add melted butter, warm cream (or milk), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir well to combine. This helps thicken the sauce.
- Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased casserole dish, spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly on the bottom.
- Pour the ground beef mixture over the potatoes and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Top with the remaining mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes
- Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Warm your cream or milk before adding it to the potatoes to keep them smooth.
- Don’t skip the flour in the beef mixture; it thickens the sauce for a perfect gravy texture.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
- Use sharp cheddar for a rich cheesy flavor or mix with mozzarella for gooey meltiness.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave; add a splash of milk to refresh the mashed potatoes.
Variations You Can Try
| Variation | Description |
| Vegetable Boost | Add peas, corn, or carrots to the beef mixture. |
| Spicy Kick | Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef. |
| Different Cheese | Use Gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese. |
| Make it Shepherd’s Pie | Use ground lamb instead of beef, and add mixed veggies. |
| Make it Healthier | Use Greek yogurt instead of cream, and lean ground turkey. |
FAQs
1. Can I make cheesy ground beef mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and mashed potatoes separately, then assemble and bake when ready. Store them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Instant mashed potatoes work well for convenience. Just prepare according to package instructions and use as you would fresh mashed potatoes.
3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic for flavor and melt. You can also mix cheddar with mozzarella for extra gooeyness or add Parmesan for a savory kick.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the beef sauce. Make sure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free as well.
5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Adding peas, carrots, corn, or mushrooms to the beef mixture is a great way to add color, nutrition, and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious side.
- Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls complement the creamy mashed potatoes perfectly.
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Related Recipes
- Thai Peanut Chicken Creamy Savory Recipe
- Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes Sausage Recipe
Final Thoughts
Cheesy ground beef mashed potatoes combine the best of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors. This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want a satisfying, warm meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a hearty casserole that everyone will love. Try the recipe as is or customize it with your favorite veggies and cheeses to make it your own. Enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness!
Cheesy Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 large potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika optional
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until browned.
- Spread mashed potatoes in a baking dish, top with cooked beef, and sprinkle cheese evenly.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use mozzarella or a cheese blend for extra flavor.
- Add veggies like peas or carrots to the beef for a nutritious twist.
