Stuffed Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the creamy texture of mashed potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese. This dish is perfect for a family meal or as a satisfying dinner on its own. With a savory filling made from ground beef, vegetables, and seasonings, and the rich creaminess of mashed potatoes, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s an easy and wholesome meal that combines basic ingredients into a mouthwatering casserole-style dish.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 medium-sized potatoes (about 420g), peeled and chopped
- 600ml water
- A pinch of salt (for boiling the potatoes)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 100g cheddar cheese, shredded
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
For the Beef Filling:
- 1/2 onion (about 70g), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 200g ground beef
- 1/4 yellow pepper, chopped
- 1 tomato (90g), chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Paprika to taste
- 10g parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Boil and Mash the Potatoes
- Peel and Chop the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and chop them into evenly sized pieces for quicker cooking.
- Boil the Potatoes:
- Place the chopped potatoes in a pot, add 600ml of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Mash the Potatoes:
- Drain the water from the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
- Add the chopped yellow pepper and tomato to the beef mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and well incorporated with the beef.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease the Baking Dish:
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Mashed Potatoes and Beef:
- Spread half of the mashed potatoes evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spoon the ground beef mixture on top of the mashed potatoes, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Top with the remaining mashed potatoes, spreading them smoothly over the beef mixture.
- Add Cheddar Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mashed potato layer.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish:
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Hot:
- Slice and serve the stuffed mashed potatoes hot, alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal for mashed potatoes because they become creamy when mashed. Avoid using waxy potatoes, which may result in a denser mash.
- Butter and Creaminess: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, you can add a splash of warm milk or cream while mashing the potatoes. This will give them a silky-smooth texture.
- Ground Beef Alternatives: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the beef filling for added nutrients and flavor.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese works wonderfully in this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Leftover stuffed mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 22g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil, and when you’re ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed.
2. Can I make this dish without cheese?
If you prefer a dairy-free or lighter version, you can skip the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be delicious and flavorful without the cheese topping.
3. Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, but keep in mind that starchy potatoes, like Russet or Yukon Gold, yield the best mashed potatoes. Waxy potatoes, such as red potatoes, may result in a denser mash but can still be used.
4. How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming too dry?
To prevent dryness, be sure to use enough butter and, if desired, add a splash of warm milk or cream when mashing the potatoes. This will help keep them moist and creamy.
5. What can I serve alongside this dish?
Stuffed mashed potatoes can be served with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. It’s also great as a standalone dish thanks to its rich and hearty filling.
Conclusion:
Stuffed Mashed Potatoes with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese is a satisfying, comforting dish that combines the best of both worlds—creamy mashed potatoes and a savory, seasoned beef filling. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is both visually appealing and delicious. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein options. Serve it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal, and enjoy this flavorful take on mashed potatoes!