Description
A layered casserole featuring seasoned ground beef beneath a silky potato crust and a glossy crown of melted cheddar, combining comfort with elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for flavor and succulence)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 lb (900 g) potatoes (Yukon Gold for creaminess), peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4–1/3 cup (60–80 ml) warm milk or cream (adjust for texture)
- 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) sharp cheddar, evenly shredded (reserve a few tablespoons for the top)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for an umami lift)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Salt the potato water.
- Boil the potatoes until fork-tender, 12–15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot to steam-dry for a minute.
- Mash with room-temperature butter and warm milk until smooth. Season with flaky sea salt.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until well browned, 6–8 minutes. Deglaze with beef broth and stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, and Dijon. Cook until glossy and slightly thickened.
- Spoon beef mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter 1 cup of shredded cheddar over the beef.
- Dollop and spread mashed potatoes over cheese layer, leaving peaks. Sprinkle reserved cheddar and Parmesan on top. Brush peaks with melted butter.
- Bake until golden and bubbly, 20–25 minutes. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a crisp surface if desired.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
For extra texture, layer a thin cheese barrier between the beef and potatoes. Make ahead by refrigerating before the final baking step.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg