Ground Beef Casserole With Mashed Potato Topping

If you’re craving something cozy and satisfying, this ground beef casserole checks all the boxes. It’s inspired by a more traditional cottage pie, but gets an extra flavor boost from crispy bacon, mushrooms, and a generous helping of cheddar. The creamy mashed potato topping bakes up golden and bubbly, making this the kind of one-dish dinner that pleases everyone at the table.

Best of all, it’s a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. It’s easy enough for weeknights and can be easily scaled up to feed a crowd.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Classic comfort food appeal. This casserole has all the hallmarks of a cozy, satisfying dinner—savory beef, tender vegetables, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese. It’s straightforward, familiar, and tastes like a meal that’s been on family tables for generations.
• A great way to use leftovers. Mashed potatoes from last night’s dinner can easily become tonight’s casserole topping, making this recipe both practical and resourceful. You can also use leftover cooked vegetables or mix-and-match based on your fridge contents.
• One-pan convenience. Nearly the entire recipe is prepared in one skillet before being transferred to a baking dish. This means less cleanup without sacrificing depth of flavor, thanks to the browning, sautéing, and simmering all happening in the same pan.
• Flexible and customizable. Swap cheddar for another cheese, change up the vegetables, or add extra herbs to suit your taste. The recipe is forgiving and easy to adjust, making it great for cooks who like to riff on a base idea.
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly. The flavors are mild enough for picky eaters yet still satisfying for adults. The casserole also freezes and reheats well, making it a smart choice for preparing ahead of time.

Ingredient Notes

• Bacon: Just a couple of strips adds smoky, savory flavor.
• Ground beef: Lean or regular beef works well as the meaty base.
• Onion, mushroom, carrot, celery: These aromatic vegetables add flavor, texture, and richness.
• Flour & broth: Help create a lightly thickened gravy-like base.
• Worcestershire sauce & thyme: Add depth and earthy seasoning.
• Mashed potatoes: Hot and creamy—perfect for spreading over the filling. Use fresh or leftovers.
• Cheddar cheese: Mixed into the potatoes and sprinkled on top for extra flavor and meltiness.
• Paprika: Just a dash adds color and subtle warmth.

How to Make Cheesy Bacon & Beef Shepherd’s Pie

1. Heat the oven. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crisp, then set aside and cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Add the flour to the beef cook briefly to coat. This will thicken the sauce.
3. Add chopped onion, mushrooms, carrot, and celery, along with broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir in the cooked bacon and transfer everything to your baking dish.
4. Stir shredded cheese into hot mashed potatoes, then spread the mixture over the beef. Top with more cheese and a dash of paprika. Bake uncovered until heated through and bubbly. Broil briefly if you’d like a golden crust on top.

Pro Tips

• Render the bacon slowly so it crisps evenly and creates flavorful drippings for the beef.
• Simmer the filling long enough for the vegetables to soften and the gravy to thicken properly.
• Spread the mashed potatoes edge-to-edge to help the topping brown evenly in the oven.
• Use hot mashed potatoes so they blend smoothly with the cheese and spread easily.
• Rest the casserole briefly before serving so the filling sets and doesn’t spill when scooping.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a lighter or vegetarian option. Or make a classic shepherd’s pie with ground lamb.
• Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based butter in the mashed potatoes.
• Add more veggies: Mix in peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
• Try a different cheese: Experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or parmesan for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp garden salad to lighten the richness of the casserole.
• Add roasted green beans, carrots, or broccoli for color and freshness.
• Pair with rolls or crusty bread to make the meal even more comforting.
• Choose a simple fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.

How to Store

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The casserole reheats well and stays cohesive after chilling.
• Freeze: Freeze fully cooled portions for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to guard against freezer burn.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or air fryer until heated through. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals and fluff the potatoes afterward to restore texture.

Ground Beef Casserole With Mashed Potato Topping

Diana Rattray

Dinner tonight! Make this delicious ground beef casserole with mashed potato topping for a comforting family dinner that everyone will love.  

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Servings 4 servings

Calories 637

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Course Casseroles, Ground Beef

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Ingredients

  

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• 2 strips bacon, diced
• 1 pound ground beef, lean
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 rib celery, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups mashed potatoes, hot
• 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• Dash ground sweet paprika

Instructions

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• Prep the Pan and Oven: Grease a 2-quart baking dish and preheat the oven to 350 F.
• Cook the Bacon: Arrange the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium heat until crisp; drain on paper towels and set aside.
• Cook the Beef: Cook the beef in the bacon drippings until browned, stirring to break it up. Stir in the flour, blending thoroughly, and cook for 1 minute.
  
• Add the Vegetables: Stir in the onion, mushrooms, carrot, and celery, along with the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the thyme and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in the reserved bacon and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  
• Assemble and Bake: Combine the hot mashed potatoes with 1/2 cup of cheese and spread evenly over the beef mixture. Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle with a bit of paprika. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until hot. If desired, broil for a few minutes to brown the potatoes.
  
• Serve: Spoon onto a plate and serve with a salad or fresh vegetables on the side.
  

Nutrition

Calories: 637kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 32gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 618mgPotassium: 1126mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2818IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 210mgIron: 4mg

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.

Keyword casserole, ground beef casserole, mashed potatoes, mushrooms

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