Description
A quick, comforting, and no-fuss casserole combining ground beef, potatoes, veggies, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for flavor and juiciness)
- 1 cup instant mashed potato flakes (about 100g)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn mix, about 150g)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 70g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 cup beef broth (240ml), low sodium
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15ml)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 150g)
- 2 tablespoons butter (28g), melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until mostly browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes until onions soften. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. The beef mixture should be juicy and well-seasoned.
- In a mixing bowl, combine instant mashed potato flakes with beef broth and melted butter. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add more broth if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the beef and veggie mixture evenly on the bottom.
- Sprinkle the frozen mixed vegetables over the beef layer.
- Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly over the vegetables, smoothing with the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes. Optionally, sprinkle dried parsley on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden. For extra crispy top, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
Drain excess fat from the beef to avoid greasiness but keep enough for juiciness. Use sharp cheddar cheese for best melt and flavor. Instant mashed potatoes speed up prep and create a creamy topping. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing. Tent with foil if cheese browns too fast to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 16 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of casserole
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: hobo casserole, ground beef casserole, quick weeknight dinner, easy casserole, comfort food, one dish meal