Cheesy Beef Mashed Potato Bake

Cheesy Beef Mashed Potato Bake

Ingredients

Beef Layer

• 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard (optional, cheeseburger flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Mashed Potato Layer

• 3 lbs (1.4 kg) russet potatoes, peeled & cubed
• ½ cup butter
• ¾–1 cup warm milk or cream
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)

Cheese Layer

• 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  (sharp cheddar works best)
• Optional: ½ cup mozzarella for extra melt

Gravy

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: splash of Worcestershire sauce

Topping (Optional but Recommended)

• Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15–20 min).
2. Drain well.
3. Mash with butter, warm milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Set aside and keep warm.

2. Cook the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until soft (3–4 minutes).
3. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
5. Drain excess fat.
6. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard.
7. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Gravy

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in beef broth.
4. Simmer until thick and smooth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire if desired.

4. Assemble

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer all beef mixture evenly on the bottom.
4. Pour ½–¾ of the gravy over the beef.
5. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
6. Sprinkle generously with cheddar (and mozzarella if using).
7. Drizzle remaining gravy over the top for that saucy finish.

5. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
• Broil 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning (watch closely).

6. Rest & Serve

• Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with parsley or chives.

Tips for EXTRA WOW

• Add crispy bacon bits to the beef layer
• Mix sour cream into the mashed potatoes
• Swap beef for ground turkey or lamb
• Serve with a side of green beans or a crisp salad