Imagine a dish that combines the heartiness of a classic shepherd’s pie with the indulgent, creamy layers of scalloped potatoes. This Cheesy Baked Ground Beef and Potato Casserole is the ultimate answer to your “what’s for dinner?” dilemma. Featuring layers of savory seasoned beef, fluffy mashed potatoes, and a golden, bubbling cheese crust, it is a visual and culinary masterpiece that promises to be the star of any table.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for the perfect make-ahead meal for a potluck, this casserole delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite. It’s the kind of food that feels like a warm hug—unpretentious, deeply flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy. It is designed to be the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

The Ingredient Breakdown: Flavor and Function

• Ground Beef (Lean 85/15): The savory core. This provides the rich protein base. Sautéing it until browned develops deep, caramelized flavors that anchor the dish.
• Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold): These are mashed to create a creamy, pillowy layer. Yukon Golds offer a buttery texture, while Russets provide extra fluffiness.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: A blend is key. Mozzarella provides that iconic gooey cheese pull, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty bite to the crust.
• Yellow Onion and Fresh Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building a complex flavor foundation within the meat mixture.
• Tomato Paste and Beef Broth: These transform the beef into a succulent ragu, ensuring the meat layer stays moist and flavorful during the baking process.
• Whole Milk and Butter: Added to the potatoes to ensure they are silky and decadent, preventing them from becoming dry in the oven.
• Italian Seasoning and Smoked Paprika: A blend of herbs and a hint of smoke to elevate the beef from simple to gourmet status.

Step-by-Step Culinary Instructions

1. Prepare the Potato Base: Peel and cube your potatoes. Boil in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash thoroughly with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt and white pepper.
2. Sauté the Savory Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions. Drain any excess fat. Add minced garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes until the liquid reduces into a thick, glossy sauce.
3. Layer for Success: In a deep, circular heat-resistant glass dish, spread half of the mashed potatoes across the bottom. Top with the entire beef mixture, spreading it evenly. Add the remaining mashed potatoes as the third layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. The Cheese Topping: Generously blanket the top with a thick layer of shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle Parmesan and a pinch of dried parsley over the top for extra color.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes. Finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese develops those signature golden-brown spots.
6. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, ensuring a beautiful presentation when served.

Pro Tips for Perfecting the Casserole

The Secret to Texture: For the most velvety potatoes, pass them through a potato ricer. To ensure the meat layer is exceptionally flavorful, don’t skip the deglazing process with the beef broth, as this picks up all the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan.

Serving Suggestions to Complete the Meal

Balance the richness of this hearty casserole with these side dish ideas:

• A crisp green salad with a sharp lemon vinaigrette.
• Roasted asparagus or steamed garlic broccoli.
• A side of pickled red onions to add a bright, acidic pop to the savory beef.