Ground Beef Casserole With Mashed Potato Topping
A comforting ground beef casserole topped with cheesy mashed potatoes—easy to make and family approved.
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.
Why You’ll Love It
Classic and comforting. Meaty, cheesy, and topped with mashed potatoes—what’s not to love?
Great use for leftovers. It’s the perfect way to use up extra mashed potatoes or vegetables.
Make-ahead friendly. Assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready—ideal for busy nights.
Freezer-friendly. This casserole freezes well for easy reheating later.
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
- Heat the oven. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crisp, then set aside and cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add the flour to the beef cook briefly to coat. This will thicken the sauce.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let the casserole cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
To Reheat
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual servings in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Ground Beef Casserole With Mashed Potato Topping
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
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.
