A cheesy layered meat and mashed potato bake represents the pinnacle of comfort food - combining savory ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese into a hearty, satisfying dish. This beloved casserole creates the perfect family dinner with its delicious layers and comforting flavors.

Cheesy Layered Meat and Mashed Potato Bake

Ingredients

For the meat layer:

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the potato layer:

• 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup warm milk
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

For topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
3. Add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, sautéing until vegetables soften.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to incorporate.
5. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and beef broth.
6. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Meanwhile, boil potatoes until fork-tender, then drain thoroughly.
8. Mash potatoes with butter, warm milk, and sour cream until smooth.
9. In a 9x13 baking dish, spread the meat mixture evenly.
10. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading to the edges to seal.
11. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the potatoes.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden.
13. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Tips for the Perfect Potato Bake

1. Pre-cook your meat filling: Allow it to cool slightly before layering to prevent the potato layer from sinking.

2. For extra creamy potatoes: Use a potato ricer for the smoothest texture without overworking the starches.

3. Create texture on top: Use a fork to create ridges on the potato layer before adding cheese – these will crisp up beautifully.

4. Rest before serving: Allow the bake to rest for 10-15 minutes after coming out of the oven – this helps the layers set.

5. Make ahead option: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate covered. Allow 15 extra minutes of baking time if cooking from cold.

This delicious, comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The combination of savory beef, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love!