Potato Topped Casserole

Savor the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Potato Topped Casserole, a deliciously satisfying blend of creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground beef or turkey, and a medley of tender vegetables topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this casserole features a golden, cheesy crust atop layers of seasoned meat and aromatic veggies, including carrots, celery, and peas, all bound together with a rich tomato and broth base. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe combines simple ingredients with classic flavors for a dish that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a crowd-pleasing meal that's easy to make and incredibly comforting. Keywords: potato topped casserole, easy comfort food, mashed potatoes, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 large russet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.5 cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 0.5 cups frozen peas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Peel and dice the potatoes into large chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Step 2

While the potatoes cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3

Drain the potatoes and transfer them back to the pot. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 0.5 cups whole milk, 1 teaspoon salt, and 0.5 teaspoons black pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft.

Step 5

Add 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic (2 cloves) and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 7

Pour in 1 cup of beef or chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the frozen peas and season with 1 teaspoon salt and 0.5 teaspoons black pepper.

Step 8

Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

Top the mixture with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out to cover the filling completely. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative swirls or lines, if desired.

Step 10

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes.

Step 11

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden and the filling is bubbling.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 13

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3413.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4321.7

Total Fat 208.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 95.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 622.6mg	0%
Sodium 7248.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 458.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 47.0g	0%
Total Sugars 50.4g
Protein 173.9g	0%

Vitamin D 53.7IU	0%
Calcium 1555.6mg	0%
Iron 37.4mg	0%
Potassium 13396.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.6%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 41.6%