Some recipes just feel like comfort the moment you start making them, and this ground beef and potato bake with mozzarella is one of those. It’s warm, satisfying, and layered with all the goodness you want in a family dinner. The bottom and top layers are creamy mashed potatoes enriched with butter, eggs, and a touch of flour to hold their structure. In the middle, you’ll find a rich filling made with ground beef, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and a tomato-based herb sauce that simmers until fragrant. The bake is finished with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese that melts into a bubbly, golden topping. To balance the richness, it’s paired with a refreshing garden salad of crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and green onions tossed with lemon juice and olive oil. Together, it makes a complete and nourishing meal that is both hearty and fresh.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

For the Beef and Vegetable Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 bell pepper, finely diced

• 4 oz (120 ml) tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon basil

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• Olive oil for frying

• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

For the Potato Layers:

• 5–6 large potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 teaspoon salt for boiling

• 2 eggs, beaten

• ½ stick (60 g) butter, softened

• 2 tablespoons flour

For the Topping:

• 5 oz (150 g) mozzarella cheese, grated

For the Fresh Salad:

• ½ head iceberg lettuce, chopped

• 2–3 handfuls mixed salad greens

• 1 cucumber, sliced into half rings

• 1 tomato, sliced

• ½ bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 bunch green onions, finely chopped

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Directions

1. Dice the potatoes into cubes, place them in a pot of water with salt, and boil until soft. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large pan and cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

3. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes, then stir in garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook together for another 3–4 minutes.

4. In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce with salt, black pepper, paprika, basil, and oregano. Pour this into the beef mixture and stir well. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes. Stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.

5. Mash the boiled potatoes in a large bowl. Add beaten eggs, butter, and flour. Mix until smooth and creamy.

6. Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Spread half of the potato mixture on the bottom to form an even layer.

7. Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture on top, spreading evenly. Cover with the remaining mashed potatoes and smooth the surface.

8. Sprinkle grated mozzarella over the top. Bake for about 30 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

9. While baking, prepare the salad by combining lettuce, salad greens, cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, and green onions in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Toss well.

10. Remove the casserole from the oven, allow it to set slightly, then cut into portions. Serve hot with fresh salad.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~620 per serving

• Protein: 32 g

• Fat: 32 g

• Carbohydrates: 52 g

• Fiber: 6 g

• Sodium: 950 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in food form. The creamy mashed potato layers are soft and indulgent, while the seasoned beef mixture in the middle is hearty and flavorful. The mozzarella cheese creates a golden topping that seals in everything below with gooey perfection. Adding the fresh salad on the side makes it a balanced dinner that is both filling and refreshing. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and family-approved.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

This dish is inspired by traditional layered casseroles like shepherd’s pie from the UK and moussaka from Greece. Both recipes focus on layering meat with potatoes or eggplant, topped with a creamy or cheesy finish. This version takes that idea and simplifies it into an accessible, weeknight-friendly recipe. It’s comfort food with Mediterranean-style herbs and a salad pairing that keeps things lighter. The origins might be rooted in old-fashioned meat-and-potato dishes, but the inspiration here is about creating a meal that balances warmth with freshness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Potatoes are the heart of this recipe, giving the bake structure and creaminess. Ground beef is the star protein, offering richness and flavor that holds up against the tomato sauce and herbs. Garlic, onions, and bell peppers bring depth and sweetness, while parsley adds brightness. Mozzarella is the final touch, melting into that satisfying, stretchy crust. The salad ingredients—crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and refreshing cucumbers—act as the perfect contrast to the casserole’s richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This bake stores very well. Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze, portion out slices of the casserole and wrap them tightly. They will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, place in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through or microwave for a quicker option. The salad, however, should always be made fresh because once dressed, it doesn’t keep well.

Common Variations to Try

There are endless ways to customize this recipe. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add grated zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms into the beef mixture for extra vegetables. Change up the cheese by using cheddar, gouda, or parmesan instead of mozzarella. For a slightly different twist, you can even make the potato layers with mashed sweet potatoes. If you enjoy spicy flavors, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little heat.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast on the side. A light dessert like fruit salad, panna cotta, or lemon sorbet works well afterward because it balances the richness of the bake. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, or even sparkling water with lemon, is refreshing. If you prefer something heartier, a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot also works beautifully with the beef.

Health Benefits

This dish, while comforting, has a lot of nutritional perks. The potatoes provide energy-rich carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin C. The ground beef is a great source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. Garlic and onions are natural immune boosters, and parsley adds antioxidants and freshness. The fresh salad contributes fiber, hydration, and essential vitamins A and C. When enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, this meal is both hearty and nourishing.

Conclusion

The ground beef and potato bake with mozzarella and fresh salad is a dish that embodies the best of both worlds—hearty comfort and refreshing lightness. It’s the kind of recipe that fits seamlessly into family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even meal prep for busy weeks. Each bite brings together creamy potatoes, savory beef, fragrant herbs, and the satisfying stretch of melted cheese, with the salad offering a crisp balance. It’s budget-friendly, flexible, and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like home but still impresses at the table, this is it. This bake is not just food—it’s a reminder of how simple, wholesome ingredients can create something truly comforting and memorable.