Name: Hearty Ground Beef and Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Salt to taste; 4 cups prepared mashed potatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Hearty Ground Beef and Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe fits the bill perfectly—rich, comforting, and just the right mix of creamy mashed potatoes with savory ground beef that you’ll want to make again and again.

The dish is a close-up view of a layered casserole on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, textured brown ground meat. Above that is a smooth, bright white mashed potato layer, topped with a glossy layer of melted cheddar cheese that has a shiny, orange-yellow color with some browned spots. A small sprig of green herbs lies on top as garnish. In the background, more mashed potatoes are visible, slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Ground Beef and Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Ground Beef and Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Ground Beef and Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I always keep this casserole in my dinner rotation because it’s just so easy and hits all the right comfort food notes. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—your family or guests will be asking for seconds (or thirds!).

Simple ingredients: You likely have everything in your fridge or pantry already, which makes it a go-to quick meal.
One-dish wonder: Less mess, less fuss, and all the flavor layered perfectly in one casserole dish.
Customizable comfort: You can easily swap toppings or add herbs to make it your own.
Family-friendly: It appeals to all ages, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines savory ground beef with creamy mashed potatoes to create a hearty texture contrast. The cream of mushroom soup adds richness and moisture, while cheddar cheese on top creates a bubbling, golden crust that’s pure bliss.

Flat lay of fresh raw ground beef formed into a compact mound, a large peeled onion chopped into medium pieces, a small white bowl filled with creamy mushroom soup, a small white bowl containing whole milk, a small white bowl with fine white garlic powder, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a generous mound of fluffy mashed potatoes, and a small white bowl heaped with shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 for a bit of fat that makes the beef juicy without being greasy.
Large onion: Adding chopped onion brings sweetness and depth to the beef layer.
Cream of mushroom soup: This locks in moisture and adds creaminess, making the filling tender.
Milk: Helps thin the soup mixture just enough for a smooth consistency.
Garlic powder: A quick way to punch up flavor without peeling fresh garlic.
Black pepper & salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Prepared mashed potatoes: Using your favorite mashed potatoes—homemade or store-bought—makes this recipe flexible and time-smart.
Shredded cheddar cheese: My favorite topping for that irresistible golden melt and cheesy goodness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this casserole depending on what I have around. It’s a total blank canvas, so don’t hesitate to add your personal touch. You’ll enjoy seeing how a little change can make a familiar favorite feel fresh every time.

Variation: Sometimes I swap mushrooms into the beef mixture or sprinkle crispy bacon on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Vegetarian option: Try swapping ground beef with lentils or hearty mushrooms for a meatless version that still delivers on flavor.
Seasonal twist: Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in spring and fall for a fragrant upgrade.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Ground Beef and Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

A close-up image of a three-layer dish on a white plate placed on a white marbled texture surface. The bottom layer is crumbled cooked ground meat with a brown color and slightly juicy texture, sitting in a small pool of liquid. The middle layer is light and fluffy white mashed potatoes, thickly spread over the meat. The top layer is bright yellow melted cheddar cheese, covering the whole mashed potato layer with a smooth and shiny texture, slightly dripping down the sides. The background shows a blurred indoor setting with natural light from windows. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing your baking dish lightly—this helps everything slide out easily later. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Make sure to break up the beef so it browns evenly and the onions get tender and sweet. I like to drain any excess grease here to keep the dish from becoming oily but still juicy.

Step 2: Mix in Soup and Seasonings

Next, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it come to a gentle simmer on the stovetop—this helps the flavors meld before baking. Don’t rush here; a slow simmer deepens the taste and prevents the mixture from drying out.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Grab your mashed potatoes—whether homemade or your favorite store-bought brand—and carefully spoon or spread them over the beef layer. A generous, even layer helps create that perfect contrast.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese. I like using sharp cheddar for an extra punch of flavor, but mild cheddar works if you want a gentler cheese taste. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let it stand a few minutes before serving—this helps it set so you get nice, clean slices.

Top Tip

This casserole has been a comforting staple in my home for years, and over time, I've discovered a few tricks that make all the difference between a good bake and a great one.

Don’t skip browning: Properly browning the beef and onions builds rich, deep flavor that just can’t be faked.
Simmer gently: Bringing the beef-soup mixture to a gentle simmer before baking keeps the filling moist and creamy.
Spread mashed potatoes evenly: An even layer ensures that each bite has the perfect balance of beef and potato.
Rest before serving: Let the casserole cool a few minutes so it sets nicely and won’t fall apart when slicing.

How to Serve Hearty Ground Beef and Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

ground beef casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top once it’s out of the oven—it adds a burst of color and a fresh note that brightens the rich casserole. A dollop of sour cream on the side works surprisingly well, too, if you want a tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to cut through the richness. A crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette is another great way to lighten the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've served this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, which makes each portion feel special and helps with portion control. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika on top before baking for a pretty, subtly smoky finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat, cover it loosely with foil to keep the moisture in and prevent the mashed potatoes from drying out.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well! I like to freeze it before baking for easy weeknight dinners—just thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

When reheating, the oven at 350°F (175°C) works best to warm it evenly without making the top too crispy or the potatoes dry. A microwave works in a pinch but can sometimes make the potatoes a bit rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes for this casserole?

Absolutely! Store-bought mashed potatoes work great and save you time. Just make sure they are creamy, so the layer spreads easily.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, or make your own simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk for a healthier option.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from drying out while baking?

Make sure to spread an even layer and cover the casserole loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking if you’re worried about drying. Using creamy mashed potatoes also helps.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Ground Beef and Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe has a way of making any ordinary weeknight feel special and comforting. Whether I'm feeding just the family or a bunch of friends, it always brings smiles around the table. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—and maybe even pass it down as a favorite in your own circle.