Cheesy Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes: A Comforting One-Pot Meal Recipe

Cheesy Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes are a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This dish combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes, creating a harmonious blend that is hard to resist. Originating from the heart of home-cooked meals, this recipe has been a family favorite for generations, often served during gatherings and special occasions.

What I love most about Cheesy Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes is their incredible taste and texture. The savory beef pairs perfectly with the velvety smoothness of the mashed potatoes, while the gooey cheese adds an irresistible richness. Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
• 1/2 cup of sour cream (optional for creaminess)
• Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Potatoes

1. Start by placing the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot. Make sure to cut them into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Fill the pot with enough cold water to cover the potatoes by about an inch. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from becoming mushy.
3. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water. This will season the potatoes as they cook.
4. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
5. Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot. This allows any excess moisture to evaporate, which is key for fluffy mashed potatoes.

Making the Beef Mixture

1. While the potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is important to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
3. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix well to combine all the flavors.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside while you finish the potatoes.

Mashing the Potatoes

1. Return to the pot with the drained potatoes. Add the butter and let it melt into the hot potatoes. This will help create a creamy texture.
2. Pour in the milk and add the sour cream (if using). Using a potato masher, begin mashing the potatoes until they reach your desired level of creaminess. I like mine a bit chunky, but you can make them as smooth as you prefer!
3. Once the potatoes are mashed, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. The heat from the potatoes will melt the cheese, creating a deliciously cheesy mixture.
4. Give the potatoes a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more salt or pepper depending on your preference.

Combining the Ingredients

1. In a large baking dish, spread half of the cheesy mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom. This will be the base layer.
2. Next, spoon the beef mixture over the first layer of mashed potatoes, spreading it out evenly. This ensures that every bite has a good amount of beef.
3. Top the beef layer with the remaining cheesy mashed potatoes. Spread them out gently to cover the beef completely.
4. If you have any leftover cheese, feel free to sprinkle it on top for an extra cheesy crust!

Baking the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for achieving a nice golden top.
2. Once the oven is preheated, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the top to be bubbly and slightly golden.
3. After baking,

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Cheesy Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their comfort food game. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or even a potluck, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables to balance out the richness. You can also experiment with variations by adding different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, or even incorporating some sautéed onions or garlic for an extra flavor boost. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. I encourage you to give this Cheesy Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes recipe a try and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you come up with. I would love to hear how it turns out for you, and I’m sure others would appreciate your insights as well. Happy cooking! Print

   Cheesy Ground Beef Mashed Potatoes: A Comforting One-Pot Meal Recipe

   

   Print Recipe

   This hearty Cheesy Beef and Mashed Potato Bake features creamy mashed potatoes layered with a savory ground beef mixture, all topped with melted cheddar cheese, making it a perfect choice for a comforting family dinner.

   • Author: Maria
   • Prep Time: 20 minutes
   • Cook Time: 30 minutes
   • Total Time: 50 minutes
   • Yield: 6 servings

   Ingredients

   • Ground beef
   • Mashed potatoes
   • Cheddar cheese
   • Vegetables (optional, e.g., peas or corn)
   • Diced jalapeños (optional)
   • Hot sauce (optional)

   Instructions

   1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
   2. This will help the layers set a bit, making it easier to serve.

   Notes

   • Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like peas or corn to the beef mixture for added nutrition.
   • This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat in the oven before serving.
   • For a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.