Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Combining creamy mashed potatoes with flavorful ground beef, corn, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a fulfilling meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.

Ingredients

• 2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (frozen or drained canned)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed
• 1 tsp salt, divided to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
• 1 tsp neutral oil or soft butter for greasing the dish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with oil or butter.
2. Step 2: Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Drain well.
3. Step 3: While still hot, mash the potatoes with butter, warm milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
5. Step 5: Add diced onion to the beef and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, corn, 3/4 tsp salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Dollop the mashed potatoes over the top and smooth into an even layer.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
9. Step 9: Remove the casserole and let it rest for 5 minutes. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese to melt from the residual heat.
10. Step 10: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Mash potatoes while hot for the creamiest texture.
• Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded.
• Add a spoonful of sour cream to the mashed potatoes for extra tang and richness.
• Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking to help the slices hold together well.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best results, cover the casserole with foil while reheating to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?

Yes, frozen corn works perfectly. Just thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the beef mixture.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 80 reviews

This hearty Cowboy Mashed Potato Casserole combines creamy mashed potatoes with flavorful ground beef, sweet corn, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course, Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes and Dairy

• 2 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (frozen or drained canned)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish

Seasonings and Oil

• 1 tsp salt, divided to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp neutral oil or soft butter for greasing the dish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with neutral oil or soft butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Drain them well to remove excess water.
3. Mash Potatoes: While the potatoes are still hot, mash them with unsalted butter, warm milk, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Cook Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, corn kernels, remaining salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more to combine the flavors, then remove from heat.
5. Assemble Casserole: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Dollop and smooth the mashed potatoes over the top, creating an even layer. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potato layer.
6. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until heated through and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden, about 20 to 25 minutes.
7. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top so it melts with the residual heat. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
8. Serve: Serve the casserole warm and enjoy the comforting flavors and creamy texture.

Notes

• Mash the potatoes while they are hot for the creamiest texture.
• Using freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
• Adding a spoonful of sour cream to the mashed potatoes can provide a tangy richness.
• Allow the baked casserole to rest for a few minutes to help it set and hold together when sliced.

Keywords: Cowboy casserole, mashed potato casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy mashed potatoes, comfort food, American casserole