Mashed Potato Casserole

This comforting Mashed Potato Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty and easy to make dish perfect for a cozy family dinner.

The ultimate comfort food – mashed potatoes layered with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. 

With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, this dish is a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners, potlucks, meal prep, Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleaser – A hearty, comforting dish that everyone loves.
• Very Easy to Make – Simple, step-by-step instructions make it foolproof.
• Great for Leftovers – Stays warm for a long time and reheats well.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep in advance and bake when ready!

What You’ll Need For This Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Potatoes: 1.75kg / 3.5 lb, peeled and cut into 3cm / 1″ chunks
• Cooking/Kosher Salt: 1 tbsp (for boiling potatoes)
• Milk: 2/3 cup
• Butter: 75g / 5 tablespoons
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded. Could substitute with mozzarella cheese, Monterey Jack and add Parmesan cheese after the dish is baked. 
• Bacon: 200g / 6 oz bacon, chopped
• Green Onion: 1/4 cup, finely sliced
• Ground Beef: 500g / 1.1 lb
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Optional for garnishing: chives, chopped parsley or any fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

How to Make Mashed Potato Casserole

1. Boil the Potatoes

• Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water (about 10cm / 4” above the potatoes).
• Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a rapid simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until very soft.
• Drain well and return to the pot. Let sit for 1 minute, shaking the pot occasionally to help evaporate excess water.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

• While the potatoes are boiling, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef, salt, paprika, black pepper, and minced garlic.
• Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Mash the Potatoes

• Add milk, butter, and sour cream to the drained potatoes.
• Using a potato masher, mash until smooth (do not use a food processor or blender, as this will make them gluey).

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan).
• Spread half of the mashed potatoes in a 2-liter / 2-quart baking dish/casserole dish.
• Add the cooked ground beef in an even layer.
• Spread the remaining mashed potatoes on top.
• Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and chopped bacon.

5. Bake

• Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

• Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve

• Sprinkle with green onions and serve warm.
• The casserole stays warm for about 20 minutes thanks to the cheese layer. It could be turned into one of those side dishes, that pair well with veggies and meat.

Recipe Tips

• Use Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes – They create the creamiest mashed potatoes. I prefer Russet potatoes. 
• Don’t Over mix the Potatoes – Over-mixing can make them gluey, so mash gently!
• Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the beef for a kick.
• Add More Cheese – For extra cheesiness, mix some into the mashed potatoes too! You can also add some cream cheese to the potatoes.
• Make It Ahead – Assemble the casserole, refrigerate, and bake fresh when needed.

More Similar Recipes

Looking for more delicious and comforting meals? Try these:

• Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole – A comforting meal made with a few simple ingredients.
• Keto Green Bean Casserole – Creamy, cheesy and delicious holiday staple made low-carb and gluten-free, Keto friendly.
• Cabbage Casserole – Tender sautéed cabbage with a creamy egg-and-cheese custard, baked to golden perfection.

More Breakfast Recipes

Want more easy, hearty breakfasts? Try these:

• Easy Breakfast Casserole – A protein-packed egg bake with sausage, cheese, and veggies.
• Lemon Ricotta Pancakes – Very easy to make and perfectly paired with fresh berries and pure maple syrup.
• Crispy Belgian Waffles  –  warm and crunchy Belgian waffles that are perfect for breakfast.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
• Thaw & Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat at 180°C / 350°F until warmed through.

Substitutions

• Dairy – Free: Replace butter with dairy – free margarine and use a plant-based sour cream alternative.
• Different Meats: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Cheese Options: Try using mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
• Breadcrumb Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
• Creamier Potatoes: Add cream cheese to the mashed potatoes for a richer taste.

This Mashed Potato Casserole is perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. It’s rich, cheesy, and ultra – comforting – a dish you’ll want to make again and again! Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or as part of a holiday meal, its flavors will impress everyone at the table.