Beef and Potato Casserole
Make a new family favorite! Our beef and potato casserole recipe is packed with flavor. Prep it the day before for an easy weeknight meal!
This flavorful beef and potato casserole makes a wonderful family meal. The savory filling combines ground beef, mushrooms, carrots, onions, and celery simmered in a rich broth, all topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes.
It’s similar to a cottage pie but with extra depth from mushrooms and Worcestershire sauce. You can even prepare it a day ahead — just reheat the potatoes, assemble, and bake when ready. It’s a cozy, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday suppers.
Why You’ll Love It
Comfort food classic. Warm, savory, and filling — perfect for family dinners.
Make-ahead friendly. Prep the filling and potatoes in advance for easy assembly.
Cheesy mashed topping. The melted cheddar adds richness and a golden finish.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: 85% lean gives great flavor and moisture.
- Mushrooms: Add an earthy depth and extra texture.
- Vegetables: Onion, carrot, and celery create a flavorful base.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and savory depth.
- Mashed potatoes: Make them ahead and reheat before topping.
- Cheddar cheese: Mix into the potatoes for a cheesy crust.
Steps to Make Beef and Potato Casserole
- Prepare the oven and dish. Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Brown the beef. Heat oil or drippings in a skillet, add the beef, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms until tender. Stir in the flour.
- Simmer the filling. Return the beef to the pan, add broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and pepper, then simmer until thickened and flavorful.
- Assemble. Spoon the beef mixture into the baking dish. Stir cheese into the hot mashed potatoes and spread over the top.
- Bake. Bake for about 25 minutes, until bubbling and lightly golden. Broil briefly for a deeper color if desired.
- Serve. Let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with parsley and enjoy.
Make-Ahead Tip
Prepare the beef filling and mashed potatoes up to 1 day ahead. Refrigerate them separately in covered containers. Before baking, warm the potatoes slightly in the microwave, stir in the cheese, assemble the casserole, and bake as directed.
Recipe Variations
- Turkey version. Swap ground beef for ground turkey and use chicken broth.
- Vegetarian. Replace beef with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Extra cheesy. Sprinkle more cheddar or fontina over the top before baking.
- Dairy-free. Use olive oil mashed potatoes and skip the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad or sliced cucumbers for balance.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or steamed green beans.
- Add a warm roll or slice of garlic bread to complete the meal.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat: Bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of broth if needed to refresh the filling.
Beef and Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or butter, or bacon drippings, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 6 to 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups mashed potatoes, hot seasoned
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Oven Prep: Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or drippings in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef, break it up into small pieces, and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes. Continue cooking and stirring for 4 to 5 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink. Remove the beef to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, heat the remaining oil or drippings over medium heat. Add the onions, carrot, celery, and mushrooms and sauté until the onions are translucent. Stir the flour into the vegetables and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the beef back to the pan and stir to blend.
- Simmer the Filling and Assemble the Casserole: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add more broth if the mixture is too thick. Taste and add salt, as needed. Turn the ground beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.Stir the cheese into the hot mashed potatoes and spoon them over the top of the casserole. Spread the potatoes to cover the filling.
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 25 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and the topping is lightly browned. Broil for a minute or two to brown the topping more.
- Serve: Serve with a garnish of parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.