This recipe is the ultimate definition of cozy, home-style comfort food. It brings together buttery mashed potatoes, savory seasoned beef, and a rich tomato-herb sauce, all finished with a golden blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. This dish delivers big flavor and the kind of warmth that feels like a hug on a plate. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a Sunday feast, it’s a recipe that feels both familiar and indulgent. It’s a classic layered casserole that combines the best of a shepherd’s pie with a rich, tomato-based filling and a cheesy finish that makes it stand out.
Ingredients
- For the mashed potatoes:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- Hot water (enough to cover potatoes)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- For the beef mixture:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ground beef
- 1 finely diced onion
- 1 whole egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For finishing:
- Olive oil (for greasing)
- Mozzarella cheese (enough to cover the dish)
- Aluminum foil
Cooking Directions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot. Cover with hot water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the pot. Add the butter, salt, and pepper, and mash until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the beef mixture: While the potatoes are boiling, in a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely diced onion, egg, salt, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and breadcrumbs. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Form the mixture into small, flat patties.
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Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the beef patties in the skillet and brown them on both sides. You may need to do this in batches. Once browned, transfer the patties to a plate and set aside.
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Make the sauce: In the same skillet, with any remaining oil and drippings, add the tomato sauce, salt, oregano, and olive oil. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Assemble the dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil. Arrange the browned beef patties in a single layer on the bottom of the dish. Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the beef.
- Add the potatoes and cheese: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the beef and sauce, spreading it to cover the entire dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. Serve warm and enjoy.
Nutrients
- Protein: High
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (depending on serving size)
- Fats: Saturated and unsaturated fats from beef, cheese, and olive oil
- Carbohydrates: High, from potatoes and breadcrumbs
- Vitamins and Minerals: Excellent source of B vitamins, iron, potassium, and calcium.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it is the ultimate expression of comfort and warmth. It’s a complete meal in one dish that requires minimal fuss and is a surefire hit with everyone at the table. The combination of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and the rich, savory meat filling is a classic for a reason. The addition of a rich tomato-herb sauce elevates the flavor beyond a simple casserole, and the gooey, melted mozzarella on top makes it feel truly special. This is the kind of dish that becomes a family tradition, perfect for a cozy weekend dinner or a celebratory meal. Its simplicity also makes it ideal for preparing ahead of time, so you can have a delicious and hearty meal ready to go on a busy weeknight.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
This recipe is a modern take on a classic comfort food tradition found in many cultures. It bears a strong resemblance to the British Cottage Pie (made with ground beef) or Shepherd’s Pie (made with ground lamb), both of which feature a layer of meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes and baked. The addition of a tomato-based sauce, rather than the traditional beef gravy, gives it a distinct character, and the use of an egg and breadcrumbs to form patties is a nod to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, where seasoned ground meat is often shaped into kefta or meatballs. The final touch of a generous layer of mozzarella cheese is a classic American casserole element, making this dish a delicious blend of international culinary traditions.
Ingredient Spotlight
The success of this dish lies in the careful selection and preparation of a few key ingredients. For the mashed potatoes, using a starchy potato variety like Russet or Idaho is crucial, as they produce a light and fluffy mash that holds its shape well. The ground beef should be lean to prevent the final dish from being overly greasy, but still have enough fat to be flavorful. The spices—garlic powder, sweet paprika, and oregano—are what give the beef its robust, savory flavor profile. The egg and breadcrumbs act as essential binders, ensuring the beef patties stay together during browning and baking. Finally, a good quality mozzarella cheese is a must. Freshly grated mozzarella melts better and gives you that perfect, stringy, golden-brown crust on top that makes the dish so appealing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole is excellent for leftovers. To store, allow the dish to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place individual servings on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm. For a whole dish, cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Uncover for the last few minutes to re-crisp the cheese. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Variations to Try
This recipe is a canvas for creativity. You can add more vegetables to the beef mixture, such as finely diced carrots, peas, or corn, to make it more like a traditional cottage pie. For a different flavor, substitute the ground beef with ground lamb, turkey, or even a meatless alternative. You can also play with the seasonings by adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you want a different cheesy topping, try a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese for a sharper flavor. For an even more indulgent twist, add some cream cheese to the mashed potatoes for an extra-creamy texture.
Pairing Recommendations
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Steamed or roasted green beans, broccoli, or asparagus would also complement the flavors well. For a more traditional pairing, serve it with some warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. As for drinks, a full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot would stand up to the rich meat flavor. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling cider or a simple iced tea would be a great choice.
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Health Benefits
This dish, while comforting, also provides a good dose of nutrients. The potatoes are a source of carbohydrates, which provide energy, and contain potassium and Vitamin C. The ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, as well as essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production and blood health. The tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and the vegetables in the recipe contribute fiber and a range of vitamins and minerals. The cheese provides calcium for bone health. While it’s an indulgent meal, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that make it a satisfying and nourishing choice.
Conclusion
The Baked Beef and Mashed Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, honest food. It combines familiar flavors in a way that feels both classic and new, creating a dish that is sure to become a beloved favorite. Its ability to feed a crowd, its versatility, and its deeply comforting nature make it an essential recipe for any home cook. This dish is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create a meal that is truly memorable.